Fearing that ending the extradition process would meet with strong objections from the United States, they note that it would not be the first time that American neighbors have had major disagreements, and recalled Canada’s refusal to join the invasion of Iraq.
China has demanded that Canada immediately release Meng, the chief financial officer of the Chinese telecommunications giant.
Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, suggested on Wednesday that releasing Meng could help the Kovrig or Spavor cases.
“We have also seen reports of an interview with Kovrig’s wife on June 23, during which he said that the Canadian justice minister had the authority to stop Meng Wanzhou’s extradition process at any time,” he said at a conference call. press, according to a Chinese government. transcription.
“Such options are within the rule of law and could open space for resolution of the situation of the two Canadians.”
Trudeau’s letter signers warned that the court battle for Meng’s extradition could last until 2024.
Nadjibulla, Kovrig’s wife, told POLITICO in an interview on Tuesday that her husband is an innocent man who is detained in China in extreme and harsh conditions.
“Michael is fighting for his life, this is extremely serious and he is not years old,” he said.
“Michael is a pawn in a broader political struggle, he is paying a price. It is unfair, it is unfair and his detention has to end. “
Earlier this week, Trudeau said China established a direct link between Meng’s arrest and the arrest of Kovrig and Spavor, calling it a political decision by Beijing. When asked by a journalist if his liberal government might consider swapping Meng for Kovrig and Spavor, Trudeau replied “no.”
“Canada has a strong and independent justice system,” said Trudeau. “Anyone considering … undermining the independence of our justice system does not understand the importance of sticking to our principles and values.”
The letter, which CBC News first reported, also received criticism after it hit the headlines on Wednesday.
“The signers of this letter are responsible for giving China a pass for years for human rights violations,” Senator Leo Housakos wrote in a tweet.
“They are the apologists for this dictatorial regime. All in search of retainers and representatives of speculators at the expense of Canadian values. “
Housakos was among the 13 senators who wrote their own letter to Trudeau this week to pressure him to take action against China. Senators urged him to toughen up, demanding that he impose Magnitsky sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.
The move, they said, would be in response to the violation of human rights and the rule of law in connection with the Hong Kong protests, the systematic persecution of minority Muslims in China and the arrests of Kovrig and Spavor.
