Photo: Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor (right)

Canadian nationals Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were prosecuted by the procuratorates in China for suspected crimes undermining China's national security in June 2020, will soon be tried, a source close to the matter told the Global Times on Thursday. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons have reiterated the status of both cases addressing Kovrig and Spavor and China's judicial authorities have released information about the cases.

Kovrig was accused of having used an ordinary passport and business visa to enter China to steal sensitive information and intelligence through contacts in China since 2017, while Spavor was accused of being a key source of intelligence for Kovrig. 

They are suspected of crimes endangering China's national security, and have already been prosecuted.

Another source close to the matter told the Global Times previously that due to the COVID-19 epidemic situation, the hearings for both cases have yet to commence, and the court will push forward the trial soon. The two accused Canadians will be tried according to the law, the source said.

Global Times