Canadian Michael Kovrig Opens Up About Psychological Torture During 1,000-Day Detention in China

Michael Kovrig, a Canadian detained in China for over 1,000 days, described enduring psychological torture through extended solitary confinement and lengthy interrogations. Missing the birth of his daughter, Kovrig faced harsh conditions but was released in 2021 alongside fellow Canadian Michael Spavor after a political standoff involving Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

Michael Kovrig, a Canadian man held in China for over 1,000 days, recounted in an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp on Monday that he faced psychological torture including solitary confinement for months and interrogations lasting up to nine hours daily. Kovrig's ordeal caused him to miss his daughter's birth, meeting her only when she was two and a half years old.

In December 2018, Kovrig and fellow Canadian Michael Spavor were detained shortly after the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Huawei, by Canadian authorities on a U.S. warrant. Both were accused of spying. Kovrig expressed that the painful memories still weigh on him heavily. The United Nations stipulates that solitary confinement should not exceed 15 consecutive days, whereas Kovrig endured it for nearly six months.

During his detention, Kovrig's conditions included no natural light and 24-hour fluorescent lighting, with food rations reduced to just three bowls of rice a day. Kovrig emphatically described his experience as psychological torment intended to coerce and terrorize him. Their release in September 2021 coincided with the U.S. Justice Department dropping its extradition request for Meng. Kovrig's reunion with his daughter was a moment of pure joy after enduring relentless hardship. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has not commented on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)