China releases detained Canadians Kovrig, Spavor after extradition against Meng Wanzhou dropped
CTV
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says China has released detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou and U.S. Justice Department officials reached a deal to resolve the criminal charges against her and a B.C. judge discharged the extradition matter.
Speaking during a press conference late Friday night, Trudeau said Kovrig and Spavor boarded a plane in China at about 7:30 p.m. EDT with Canada's Ambassador to China Dominic Barton. He said the plane has since left Chinese airspace and "they're on the way home."
"These two men have gone through an unbelievably difficult ordeal. For the past 1,000 days they have shown strife, perseverance, resilience, and grace -- and we are all inspired by that," Trudeau said.
"I want to thank their families who've been there for them, supporting them in every way they could, and supporting in the work we've done to secure their release," he added.
Trudeau also thanked the "countless" Canadian diplomatic officials who have "tirelessly" worked over the past two and a half years to secure the release of Kovrig and Spavor, as well as the country's allies who "stood steadfast in solidarity with Canada."
