Beijing silent on Michael Kovrig's trial

There is silence out of Beijing on what happened to Canadian Michael Kovrig when he was put on trial on spying charges.

The day ended with no announcement about the status of the proceedings, which are being held behind closed doors.

Canadian Embassy officials were barred from the courthouse, as they were on Friday for the trial of Michael Spavor.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau says the government is deeply troubled by the total lack of transparency.

He also thanked diplomats from 26 countries who turned up at the courthouse to show their solidarity with Canada.

Marc Garneau on Twitter:

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, securing the safe return to Canada of Mr. Kovrig and Mr. Spavor is my top priority.

We are deeply troubled by the lack of transparency surrounding the hearings and we continue to work to end their arbitrary detention.