By Eric King-
A detained Canadian former diplomat has been cruelly denied a lawyer or the right to apply for bail. He is also not allowed to turn the lights out. Michael Korving was detained last week, and has not been given access to a lawyer since his arrest. The disturbing news has been circulated around the world’s media, highlighting the horrifying conduct of the Chinese government, executed on the alleged grounds that he was harming China’s national security. Even if the allegation were true, every prisoner or detained should be allowed a fair trial in any democratic and civil society, but China is reminding the world that it still has a way to go in terms of civility.
Reporters from Reuters news agency have quoted a reliable source who has said:
“He’s not allowed to apply for bail and not allowed to see a lawyer,” a source told Reuters news agency, adding that Korving was being held at an undisclosed location and being questioned every morning, afternoon and evening. The source added:He is not allowed to turn off the lights when he tries to sleep at night, the person added. China has denied any wrong doing, saying:
“He is physically all right, but tired and stressed,” a source told the Financial Times. “Physically, he does not appear mistreated.”
“We have already said that China has in accordance with the law guaranteed Michael Kovrig’s lawful rights and humanitarian treatment, and has provided Canada with necessary help to carry out normal consular work,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press briefing, referring questions to the “relevant authorities”. However, he conveniently left out from his briefing , the issue of
Canada gained consular access to Mr Kovrig at a police station on 14 December, when he was visited for half an hour by the Canadian ambassador and two other Canadian diplomats, the sources said. Mr Kovrig was arrested at about 22:00 (14:00 GMT) on a Beijing street on 10 December, they added.
Another Canadian by the name of Michael Spavor- a businessman – was detained along with Mr Kovrig last week and is facing the same accusations. Canada arrested Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou earlier this month, at the request of the US, which is engaged in a trade war with China.
Ms Meng faces extradition to the US to face fraud charges linked to allegations of avoiding US sanctions on Iran. Each charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 30 years.
Image: Fox News