In a letter of support filed with the court and shared with journalists, Kovrig describes himself as a former acquaintance of Cameron Ortis, whose sentencing hearing took place Thursday in Ottawa. On Thursday morning, the Crown argued Ortis should serve 28 years behind bars, minus time served. In a Dec. 9 letter, Kovrig, a former diplomat, wrote that while he was surprised by the court case, he is only weighing in on the issue of sentencing. "In the rising geopolitical storm engulfing our country, we need more people like Cameron Ortis to serve and protect Canada. Kovrig's letter is just one of 26 letters sent to the judge supporting Ortis, according to materials provided to the media.
