BREAKING: Trudeau calls 11-year sentence of Canada’s Michael Spavor ‘unacceptable’

"China’s conviction and sentencing of Michael Spavor is absolutely unacceptable and unjust."

"The verdict for Mr. Spavor comes after more than two and a half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law.

"For Mr. Spavor, as well as for Michael Kovrig who has also been arbitrarily detained, our top priority remains securing their immediate release. We will continue working around the clock to bring them home as soon as possible.

"Our thoughts, and the thoughts of all Canadians, are with Mr. Spavor and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The Government of Canada continues to provide consular assistance to Mr. Spavor and his family as we work to secure his safe return.

"I want to thank Canada’s many partners, friends, and allies for their solidarity and support for the release of Mr. Spavor and Mr. Kovrig, and their opposition to the practice of arbitrary detention. We will not rest until they are safely brought home."

Spavor's detention, as well as Michael Kovrig's, have been widely described as forms of retaliation by the Chinese government for Canada's arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou.

A statement by Chinese state court said that Spavor would serve 11 years for crimes of "spying and illegal provision of state secrets abroad [Spavor] has been sentenced to 11 years in jail, confiscation of 50,000 yuan ($7715) worth of personal property and deportation."

Spavor will likely not be deported from China until he completes his sentence.