Canadian suspect in Belgian espionage case to remain in pretrial detention

Belgian authorities have decided to extend the pretrial detention of a Canadian woman facing espionage charges by one month. The suspect, who has not been named by the prosecutor's office, is believed to be Biwei Zhang, also known as Claire Zhang, according to a federal source not authorized to speak publicly about the case. Zhang, a Chinese national, worked as an intern at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.

The Belgian federal prosecutor's office announced on July 25 that the woman had been arrested on accusations of espionage and participation in a criminal organization. Her appeal of a July decision to keep her in detention was heard today, and the Chamber of Indictments decided to prolong her pretrial custody.