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They were arrested while a Canadian court was considering whether to allow Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, to be released on bail after arresting her Dec. 1 at the United States’ request. She is wanted for extradition to New York to face fraud charges relating to the company’s alleged violation of American sanctions against Iran.

Analysts said that the timing of the arrests left little doubt that they were politically motivated and acts of reprisal for the arrest of Meng, the scion of one of China’s most internationally successful companies.

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Kovrig was detained by plainclothes officers in Beijing at 10 p.m. on Dec 10, the person said. He is now being held at an undisclosed location and is not allowed access to a lawyer or loved ones or apply for bail.

The conditions of Kovrig’s detention contrast starkly with those of Meng, who was released Sunday on $7.4 million bail after a multiday court hearing, in which she was represented by high-powered lawyers and observed by throngs of journalists. She is now staying at one of her luxury homes in Vancouver while awaiting the outcome of her extradition proceedings, which could take many months.

Canada’s ambassador, John McCallum, visited Kovrig Friday, in line with the bilateral agreement between China and Canada that stipulates consular visits must take place within 48 hours of being requested.

McCallum met Kovrig at a police station, not at the place where he is being detained. Kovrig told the ambassador that he is being interrogated morning, afternoon and evening, and that the lights in his cell are always on, said the person, who described Kovrig as tired and stressed. Kovrig will not be allowed a consular visit for another month.