Don't Politicize Extradition, Trump: Canadian Minister Freeland

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland is requesting the United States not politicize the extradition of an ex-Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig who was detained in China Monday, Reuters reported Wednesday.

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“Our extradition partners should not seek to politicize the extradition process or use it for ends other than the pursuit of justice and following the rule of law,” Freeland said.

Korvig, who works with the think-tank International Crisis Group (ICG), was arrested on suspicion of allegedly engaging in unspecified, illicit activities that threatened state security, Freeland said.

Officials say China had so far not linked Kovrig’s detention to Meng’s arrest in Vancouver on Dec. 1, however Canadian diplomatic experts have said they have no doubt the two cases are linked.

An unnamed official told Reuters, “We have in general informed our personnel in Beijing and in our consulates to take extra precautions.”

Lu Kang, spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, said the ICG may not have properly registered as an NGO, therefore breaking Chinese legislation.

“All foreigners that come to China, so long as they respect the law, have nothing to worry about,” Lu said.

Freeland said authorities have reason to believe a second Canadian is at risk: “We have not been able to make contact with him since he let us know about this. We are working very hard to ascertain his whereabouts and we have also raised this case with the Chinese authorities. We are in touch with his family.”