Detained Canadian Kovrig Gets Third Consular Visit in China

The federal government says Canadian Michael Kovrig has received his third meeting with consular officials since his December detention in China on charges of endangering Chinese national security. A statement by Global Affairs Canada says the officials met today with the former Canadian diplomat, who was on leave from his job at the time of his arrest. The statement says the government continues to be deeply concerned by what it calls the “arbitrary” detentions of Kovrig and fellow Canadian Michael Spavor, who was also detained in December on similar allegations. Canada has demanded the release of both men and it is trying to get more consular access to them.

Michael Kovrig, an adviser with the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based non-governmental organization, speaks during an interview in Hong Kong on March 28, 2018. AP Photo/File

OTTAWA—The federal government says Canadian Michael Kovrig has received his third meeting with consular officials since his December detention in China on charges of endangering Chinese national security.

A statement by Global Affairs Canada says the officials met today with the former Canadian diplomat, who was on leave from his job at the time of his arrest.