BREAKING: Two Michaels released, en route back to Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the two Michaels, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, are on their way home to Canada, expected to be back on Canadian soil by Saturday morning. They are being accompanied by Canada’s Ambassador to China, Dominic Barton.

The two Michaels have been detained in China since shortly after the detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Dec. 2018 on an extradition request by the United States. A deal was finalized earlier to secure their release after Wanzhou struck a deal with U.S. justice officials.

Last year in June, Trudeau shut down the idea of trading Meng Wanzhou for the two Michaels, confirming that “randomly arresting Canadians doesn’t give you leverage over the Government of Canada anywhere in the world.”

Justin Trudeau released the following statement on Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, thanking those around the world who helped secure their release.

“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.”
—Justin Trudeau

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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 25, 2021

BREAKING: Two Michaels released, en route back to Canada

This afternoon, Trudeau posted photos of the two Michaels arriving back to Canada.

Welcome home, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. You’ve shown incredible strength, resilience, and perseverance. Know that Canadians across the country will continue to be here for you, just as they have been. pic.twitter.com/1UoLbBFGNv
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 25, 2021

This article was originally published on Sept. 24 and updated on Sept. 25, 2021.

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