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Thursday, 15 September 2016

China releases Canadian 'Kevin Garratt' in spy case after two years

Julia and Kevin Garratt (centre) with two of their children
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.
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.
The Garratts' eldest son called the espionage allegations at the time "absurd".
A statement from the family said that Kevin 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.
In an August press conference with Mr Trudeau, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Mr Garratt would be treated humanely.
Mr Li will meet Mr Trudeau next week when he makes an official visit to Canada.
The Vancouver couple had lived in Dandong, China on the North Korean border since 1984.

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