EU calls for access to legal representation for Canadians detained in China

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians being currently detained in China, are being denied access to legal representation, a spokesperson from the European Union tells Global News.

“The arrest and detention in China of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, both Canadian nationals, and the declared motive for their investigation raises concerns about legitimate research and business practices in China,” a statement from the EU reads.

“The denial of access to a lawyer under their status of detention is contrary to the right of defence. The EU fully supports the efforts of the Canadian Government on this matter.”

1:28 China says Canadian woman is being detained for working illegally

• China says Canadian woman is being detained for working illegally
• Trudeau explains why detainment of 3rd Canadian by China different
• Trudeau defends deescalating China situation to bring Canadians home
• Trudeau says he hasn’t spoken to Chinese president Xi or Donald Trump about detained Canadians
• China detains third Canadian after Huawei CFO arrested in B.C.
• Canada granted access to second detainee in China
• U.S. calls for release of Canadians detained in China

Previous Video

Next Video

The EU has previously expressed support for Canada in this matter, along with the United States, and has before called for legal representation for the detainees.

“The arrest and detention in China of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, both Canadian nationals, and the declared motive for their investigation raises concerns about legitimate research and business practices in China,” the EU embassy in Beijing said in a separate statement to Reuters

“The denial of access to a lawyer under their status of detention is contrary to the right of defense. The EU fully supports the efforts of the Canadian Government on this matter.”

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The detentions of the two Canadian men last week appeared to be retaliation for the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer for the Chinese telecommunications company, Huawei.

1:39 Does Canada have any leverage with China?

• Does Canada have any leverage with China?
• Canadians detained in China ‘unlawful’ and ‘unacceptable’: Pompeo
• Growing concerns about fate of Canadians living in China
• Canadian detained in China has ties to Calgary
• Who is Michael Spavor, the second Canadian to go missing in China?
• Canadians’ detainment demonstrate’s Trudeau’s ‘naïve approach’ to relations with China: Scheer
• Canadians’ detainment retaliation for Huawei arrest, Trump adviser says

Previous Video

Next Video

Kovrig and Spavor were picked up in China days after the RCMP arrested Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver at the request of U.S. authorities. American authorities are seeking Meng’s extradition to the U.S. to face charges of fraud and violating trade sanctions against Iran.

According to Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, Canadian Ambassador to China John McCallum has been able to meet with Kovrig and Spavor within the past week.

“It’s important to Canada that we were able to see them. We know where they are,” Freeland told reporters on Monday. “We are really throwing everything we have at this.”

Two days later, it was revealed that a third Canadian had been detained in China.

Global Affairs Canada confirmed to Global News that consular officials have been in touch with the third detainee, and that there is likely no connection between this case and the previous two.

“By way of an update on the case you enquired about yesterday, consular officials have spoken to the Canadian and are providing consular services to her and her family. We have no reason to believe there is any connection between this case and other recent cases of Canadians detained in China for alleged reasons of national security,” spokesperson Richard Walker said in a statement.

A member of parliament recently confirmed that the third detainee is a a teacher from Alberta who was held over visa issues.

Conservative MP Erin O’Toole said in an interview with The Canadian Press that the woman had been teaching in the country for months and did not previously have problems with her visa, Global News previously reported.

WATCH: Growing concerns over three Canadians detained in China

2:01 Growing concerns over three Canadians detained in China

–With files from Abigail Bimman, Rahul Kalvappale and The Canadian Press.