The Canadian government has confirmed the arrest of one of its former diplomats in China. „We know about the arrest of a Canadian citizen in China,“ the Foreign Ministry said. You are in contact with the Chinese authorities about the case. Public Security Minister Ralph Goodale said in Ottawa that he was „deeply concerned“ about the arrest of Michael Kovrig.
Kovrig’s current employer, the non-governmental organization Crisis Group, had earlier reported that reports were being leaked that the Northeast Asia expert was „arrested in China.“ Goodale said consular officials were in contact with the family and tried to assist wherever possible.
Related to arrest of Huawei’s chief financial officer?
The case sparked speculation over a potential Chinese retaliation for the arrest of Huawei Finance chief Meng Wanzhou at the request of the US in Canada. The arrest of the daughter of the founder of the Huawei Group in Canada had previously fueled concerns among Chinese foreign experts and businesspeople about China’s possible return trucks.
Meng is accused of circumventing sanctions against Iran. China has protested sharply against her arrest.
Kovrig has been working for the Brussels- based Crisis Group since February 2017 , which provides conflict analysis and advice and is recognized as an independent point of contact.
