They’re Coming Home, Michael’s Spavor & Korvig Released From Chinese Prison
- TDS News
- Breaking News
- Asia
- Canada
- East Asia
- September 25, 2021
US Government drops charges against Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou
After nearly three years of detention in a Chinese prison, Michael Spavor and Michael Korvig are on their way home to Canada. Both men were being arbitrarily detained as retaliation for Huawei’s CFO’d detention at the request of the Trump administration.
The US government has been a staunch adversary of Huawei and its 5G systems. The Trump administration has made several allegations against the Chinese cell phone company for being a major risk to US national security. They also accused the Huaewi CFO of violating international sanctions in place against Iran. The tech giant’s CFO was arrested at the request of the United States once she entered Canadian jurisdiction. Meng Wanzhou has been detained on house arrest since December 1, 2018, while fighting extradition to the United States to stand trial.
Early Friday morning, news broke the Huawei C.E.O has struck a deal with the US Justice Department under the deferred prosecution where she will plead not guilty but acknowledge the allegations against her. Meng Wanzhou was charged with bank and wire fraud in her attempt to hide her financial dealings with Iran. The US agreed to later drop the charges against Meng Wanzhou and have her pay an undisclosed financial penalty.
“Earlier tonight, the aircraft carrying Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor left Chinese airspace. After an unbelievably difficult ordeal, they are on their way home. I want to thank every single person and partner around the world who helped secure their release.” Tweeted Priminister Trudeau
“I also appreciate the court for their professionalism and the Canadian government for upholding the rule of law.” Said Meng Wanzhou as she departed Canada. China’s decision to commute the sentences of the two Canadians confirms their decision to detain and charge them were purely retaliatory.