Johnston Says Global News’ Allegation Against MP Dong is ‘False’ Due to ‘Misinterpretation’ of Intel

David Johnston, Independent Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference, appears as a witness at the Procedure and House Affairs Committee in Ottawa on June 6, 2023. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press

The intelligence used by Global News to report that MP Han Dong advised the Chinese consulate to keep the two Michaels in detention was “misinterpreted,” Special Rapporteur David Johnston told a committee.

Johnston, who was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March to review foreign interference, published his report on May 23, saying a media allegation against Dong was “false.”