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Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou says she has experienced feelings of helplessness, torment and struggle since being arrested in Canada one year ago, but no longer fears the unknown.
In a post on the Chinese telecom company's website, Meng says she has passed the time on bail in a comfortable Vancouver house reading books, chatting with colleagues and completing oil paintings.
Canadian authorities took Meng into custody at the request of the United States on allegations of violating sanctions on Iran, and her extradition case is now before a British Columbia court.
Soon after Meng was arrested, Beijing detained two Canadians, entrepreneur Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig, over accusations of undermining China's national security — developments widely seen in Canada as retaliation for the arrest of Meng.
Canadian officials have met with Kovrig and Spavor several times, but the two have been denied access to lawyers or family while in detention.
A source familiar with the conditions of Kovrig's detention, but not authorized to speak publicly, told The Canadian Press last year he was questioned three times a day and kept in a room with the lights on continuously.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2019.
Comments
Meng’s detention apparently is indefinite. This is inhumane. The lawyers haven’t even got appeals in sight yet. This could go on for years or even decades, and it is not even clear that what she is accused of is a crime in Canada. She should be released on a promise to appear in court here when asked.
She should not be suffering just because the lawyers cannot agree on the law.
She is certainly lucky to be a Chinese prisoner in Canada and not a Canadian prisoner in China.