Supporters of Canada’s ‘two Michaels’ Spavor and Kovrig express relief but condemn China’s ‘arbitrary detention’
- Pair who were held on spying charges are allowed to board a flight home hours after Meng Wanzhou left Canada
- Observers say timing of their release after US sanctions case against Huawei executive was settled suggests a quid pro quo with Beijing
The release of two Canadians after nearly three years in what was widely seen as “arbitrary detention” in China was greeted with relief and celebration on Saturday.
The two men, accompanied by Dominic Barton, Canada’s ambassador to China, flew from Beijing to Calagary on Saturday to be greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on their arrival.
“These two men have been through an unbelievably difficult situation, but it is inspiring and it is good news for all of us that they are on their way home to their families,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday as he announced their departure.
“I want to thank our allies and partners around the world in the international community who have stood steadfast in solidarity with Canada and with these two Canadians,” he said, without providing details of how the release came about.
