ABOUT PETER DAHLIN

In 2016, Peter Dahlin, a human-rights activist who had lived in Beijing for almost 10 years, was arrested as he was about to leave China. The Swedish citizen spent 23 days in a secret prison, deprived of sleep, kept in solitary confinement and interrogated for hours at a time. He was released only after signing a “confession,” and expelled from China.

Dahlin is currently the director of Safeguard Defenders, a human rights NGO that focuses on promoting rule of law and supporting both civil society and human rights defenders in some of the most hostile environments in Asia.

This is the first in a series.

MICHAEL KOVRIG

At the time of his arrest, Michael Kovrig worked full-time for the International Crisis Group in Northeast Asia to defuse tensions between China and nearby states, and provided an independent appraisal of China's growing role in the world, according the ICG website. He had previously worked for Global Affairs Canada, stationed between Beijing and Hong Kong from 2012 to 2016. In 2016, he worked as the political lead for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to Hong Kong.

MICHAEL SPAVOR

Michael Spavor is a businessman with deep ties to North Korea. He is the founder of Paektu Cultural Exchange, which is focused on opening up international ties with the insular country. The website for the organization says it is “a non-profit social enterprise” dedicated to cross-cultural exchanges, trade, and investment between North Korea and “international organizations,” businesses, and individuals to promote greater peace, friendship, and understanding.”