The Canadian government said Friday, it will allow an extradition hearing for Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou to the U.S. to proceed. Canada arrested Meng last year on behalf of the United States, following U.S. allegations the Chinese telecom defrauded several banks and violated U.S. sanctions against doing business with Iran, reported The Hill.
“The decision follows a thorough and diligent review of the evidence in this case.
The Department is satisfied that the requirements set out by the Extradition Act for the issuance of an Authority to Proceed have been met and there is sufficient evidence to be put before an extradition judge for decision,” said Canada’s Department of Justice.
A hearing has been scheduled for Meng March 6 in British Columbia Supreme Court. She denies any wrongdoing.
The Canadian DOJ noted an extradition hearing is not a trial and does not render a verdict. If someone is extradited from Canada to face prosecution in another country, the individual will have a trial in that country. Meng will remain out on bail while court proceedings are underway.
“Under the Extradition Act and the Treaty, Canada must review the alleged conduct and determine whether it could have resulted in a jail sentence of one year of more if it had taken place in Canada. The conduct for which extradition is sought must also be considered criminal in both the United States of America and in Canada. This is known as ‘dual criminality,’” the department said.
“Canada’s extradition process protects the rights of the person sought, by ensuring that extradition will not be granted if, among other things, it is contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the principles of fundamental justice,” the statement added.
March 4, 2019
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