The intelligence used by Global News to report that MP Han Dong advised the Chinese consulate to keep the two Michaels in detention was “misinterpreted,” Special Rapporteur David Johnston told a committee.
Johnston, who was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March to review foreign interference, published his report on May 23, saying a media allegation against Dong was “false.”
Liberal MP Ruby Sahota asked Johnston to expand on how he made that determination as he testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) on June 6.
“The reference I think that Global News had was to an early draft of an understanding of what transpired in a conversation between a member of the PRC [People’s Republic of China] consulate and Mr. Dong,” said Johnston….