Canadian on trial for espionage in Belgium appeals detention decision
A Canadian national charged with espionage and participation in a criminal organization is appealing a Belgian court's order to keep her in pretrial detention.
Sources · local media reports
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A Canadian facing espionage charges in Belgium has appealed a decision to keep her in pretrial detention, Belgium's federal prosecutor's office said. A ruling on the appeal must come within 15 days.
After a closed-door hearing on July 30, the prosecutor's office ordered the suspect to remain in custody. The office announced Saturday that an investigating judge had placed the suspect — described as a "Canadian national of Chinese origin" — under arrest on charges of espionage and participation in a criminal organization.
The suspect worked as an intern at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium. The prosecutor's office declined to disclose the suspect's identity, citing the presumption of innocence and the ongoing investigation. The case remains under investigation with no publicly stated details about the specific espionage allegations or the suspect's current location.
By the numbers
When must a ruling on the appeal be issued?
A ruling on the appeal must come within 15 days of the July 30, 2026 hearing.
What charges is the Canadian suspect facing?
The Canadian national faces charges of espionage and participation in a criminal organization.
