Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday condemned China for sentencing Michael Spavor, a Canadian national, to 11 years in jail for "spying" and "illegally providing state secrets", according to a statement released by the prime minister of Canada's office. Referring to China's conviction and sentencing of the Canadian businessman as "unacceptable and unjust", Trudeau said that the trial "did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law." “Our thoughts, and the thoughts of all Canadians, are with Mr. Spavor and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," he said. "The Government of Canada continues to provide consular assistance to Mr. Spavor and his family as we work to secure his safe return." Notably, the verdict by the Chinese court today is testing what political commentators have called an already "strained" relationship between Canada and China.

Source: Hindustan Times August 11, 2021 06:33 UTC