The following article was sent to our local newspaper (on Sunday 01 December 2019) for publication in their ” Letter to Editor ” section.
30 November 2019
China and Canada Conundrum
Its Christmas time & it’s time to remember and have in our thoughts our Canadian detainees in China.
We Canadians are believers in law and fair play . Our laws are transparent. We care for each other.
I believe that the detention of two innocent Canadians and the sudden court rulings of execution against two others is in disproportionate retaliation for the arrest by Canada in Vancouver of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.
As we can recall – on December 1, 2018, Meng was arrested at Vancouver International Airport by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at the request of the United States for allegedly defrauding multiple financial institutions in breach of US imposed bans on dealing with Iran.
The two detainees , Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig have not yet been charged . Neither has been given access to a lawyer during more than 11 months of incarceration, nor have they been allowed to see family .
The other Canadian detainees Robert Schellenberg and Fan Wei have had their sentences upgraded suddenly to execution sentences as a retaliatory measure by China after Miss Mang Wanzhou was charged by the Canadian law agencies.
Canada stands firmly opposed to the use of the death penalty everywhere around the world We should be particularly concerned when it is applied to Canadians.
This is unfair and against human rights . One can relate to genuine charges but the arbitrary detention of innocent Canadians by China as a retaliation is definitely in the realm of bullying.
Miss Meng, the Huawei executive definitely requires fair hearing and justice – which the Canadian courts will provide, She already is free on bail and allowed all movements and activities.
In Canada, the judicial proceedings for Ms. Meng will play out as they should. She has the best lawyers money can buy.
The detention of Mr. Kovrig in particular warrants naming, as he is a Canadian diplomat who was on leave when he was kidnapped ”“ a gross violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961.
Further , China has also put a halt in the purchase of the Canadian Meat products and also of canola seeds – to put political pressure on Canada for withdrawing the case against the Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.
It seems that Canada is not getting any traction with the Chinese authorities for release of the Canadian detainees. With four Canadians languishing in Chinese prisons, Canada has the need to persuade China , by whatever means , to return them. Due to trade impact – our policy so far seems to be “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” appeasement of China – which can impact Canada”™s domestic and global interests .
I pray that this issue is resolved soon and the Canadian detainees can come safely home before Christmas.