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China releases Canadian in spy case after two years | China releases Canadian in spy case after two years |
(35 minutes later) | |
A Canadian man arrested with his wife in China two years ago has returned home, Canadian officials say. | A Canadian man arrested with his wife in China two years ago has returned home, Canadian officials say. |
Kevin Garratt was held in August 2014 and accused of being a Canadian spy. His wife, Julia Garratt, was freed shortly after the arrest. | Kevin Garratt was held in August 2014 and accused of being a Canadian spy. His wife, Julia Garratt, was freed shortly after the arrest. |
The couple had been living on the North Korea border before their arrest, where they said they were helping refugees. | The couple had been living on the North Korea border before their arrest, where they said they were helping refugees. |
His release follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent first official visit to China. | His release follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent first official visit to China. |
The Garratts' eldest son called the espionage allegations at the time "absurd". | The Garratts' eldest son called the espionage allegations at the time "absurd". |
A statement from the family said Mr Garratt was deported on Thursday following a ruling in the case. | |
"The Garratt family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers, and also thanks the many individuals who worked to secure Kevin's release," the statement said. | |
The Canadian prime minister said he was "delighted" by Mr Garratt's homecoming. | |
"We remain deeply impressed by the grace and resilience of the Garratt family," Mr Trudeau added. | |
In an August press conference, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang assured the Canadian PM that Mr Garratt would be treated humanely. | |
Mr Li will meet Mr Trudeau next week when he makes an official visit to Canada. | Mr Li will meet Mr Trudeau next week when he makes an official visit to Canada. |
The Vancouver couple had lived in Dandong, China, since 1984. | |
The Chinese government had denied accusations the couple's arrest was retaliation for the detention of a Chinese man in Canada who had been wanted in the US for allegedly stealing fighter jet documents. |