A Chinese court has sentenced a Canadian businessman to 11 years in prison for espionage, more than two years after he was first detained.

Michael Spavor was found guilty of spying and illegally providing state secrets to foreign countries.

Spavor and former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig were detained in December 2018. Many critics believe the pair was arrested in a move of hostage politics after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in December 2018 at the Vancouver airport.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement following the verdict, calling it "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," the statement reads. “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."

Canadian Ambassador Dominic Barton says Spavor has two weeks to decide whether to appeal.

The Dandong Intermediate People's Court said Spavor would be deported, without specifying whether it was before or after he served his prison sentence.

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