Crisis Group demands Michael Kovrig be released

WASHINGTON (NEWS 1130) – The employer of detained Canadian Michael Kovrig — who was working as the North East Asia Adviser for the International Crisis Group — is asking China to release him immediately.

“We appreciate that the Chinese authorities have provided consular access to Michael and allowed the Canadian Ambassador to visit him,” said Crisis Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Malley. “Michael’s arrest is unjust. He should be freed immediately.”

The group says that despite the fact he has not been charged, they believe officials are suggesting he could be investigated in relation to China’s national security.

“Far from being secretive, Michael’s work was open for all to see, Chinese officials first and foremost,” Malley said. “The real danger to China comes from Michael’s arbitrary arrest and detention for these will have a chilling effect on people wanting to visit and engage with the country.”

Karim Lebhour speaks for the International Crisis Group and tells NEWS 1130 it’s a complete mystery why Kovrig is being held.

“He was completely transparent in his work with the Chinese authorities. Everybody knew what he was doing. He was tweeting about it. Absolutely, Michael shouldn’t be detained.”

He stresses Kovrig, who is a former diplomat, always worked constructively with the Chinese authorities.

“People like Michael are what China needs to explain and try to understand what China foreign policy is about and what China is trying to do around the world and what kind of global role China is trying to play.”

He agrees with Malley that the arrest could backfire on China.

“China is basically shooting itself in the foot. There is a risk that this kind of arrest can discourage academic members of the business community and others from visiting and engaging with China.”

Lebhour calls Kovrig a brilliant analyst, who knows how to speak Mandarin and loves the Chinese culture. He says everyone at the NGO has been on a rollercoaster ride and he says the organization will not rest until he is back.

Kovrig was taken in by state security personnel while visiting Beijing on Monday. He is based in Hong Kong and is in charge of organizing visits to China.

His arrest came the same week Chinese businesswoman Meng Wanzhou was granted bail in Vancouver as she awaits an extradition hearing for charges she and her company Huawei violated sanctions on Iran.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today