Huawei Statement Following Meng Wanzhou Case Management HearingOn May 8, a Huawei executive issued a statement on the steps of the BC Supreme Court following the latest hearing regarding the Meng Wanzhou extradition case. Benjamin Howes, Vice President of Media Affairs at Huawei said: "From the outset, Huawei has expressed confidence in Ms. Meng's innocence. We have maintained that her U.S.-ordered arrest was an unlawful abuse of process -- one guided by political considerations and tactics, not by the rule of law. "Today in court, lawyers for Ms. Meng made three new and important disclosures. "First, the criminal case against Ms. Meng is based on
allegations that are simply not true. To the contrary, it was
made clear in court today that business activities by Ms. Meng
were conducted openly and transparently with full knowledge of
banking officials. The lawyers noted in court today that the
PowerPoint presented was not misleading, the bank had knowledge
of the nature of Skycom's business and operations in Iran, and
the bank understood the relationship between Huawei and Skycom.
Therefore, no evidence to prove that Meng committed acts of
"deceit, dishonesty, or other fraudulent means" or the bank was
placed at a risk of deprivation by relying on Meng's
Presentation. "Second, it was revealed that actions directed in
part by the FBI led to serious and repeated violations of Ms.
Meng's rights under the Charter.
According
to
the
evidence
disclosed
by
the
Department
of
Justice
(DOJ) of Canada, the
arrest of Meng at the airport was a coordinated effort of three
departments: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canada
Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the FBI. The RCMP
intentionally delayed the presentation of the arrest warrant in
order to carry out unlawful detention and search against Meng
under the pretense of a routine border check. Her luggage was
searched. Her cellphone and other electronic devices were seized
at the direction of the FBI -- and she was compelled to reveal her
passwords. More key evidence regarding this case remains in the
hands of the RCMP, the CBSA and the DOJ. Ms. Meng will apply to
the court, asking the RCMP, CBSA, and DOJ to disclose more
evidence on this matter. "Third, it was revealed that the arrest of Ms. Meng violated a core principle of the Canada-U.S. Extradition Treaty and Canadian extradition law -- because the allegation she faces is not a crime in Canada. The U.S. allegations against Meng are based on violations of U.S. sanctions against Iran. However, Canada does not impose sanctions on financial services in relation to Iran. Therefore, the extradition request does not satisfy the double criminality requirement. "Furthermore, it was stated that political factors at play during the extradition process may lead to a serious violation of justice. Ms. Meng's legitimate rights may also be harmed. Thus Ms. Meng intends to apply to this Court for a stay of the extradition proceedings. "Canadians value the rule of law -- and the Charter of Rights. Law enforcement officials are expected to follow the rules at all times, in all cases and for all people -- citizens and visitors alike. "We have trust in the Canadian judicial process -- and we look forward to seeing Ms. Meng's freedom restored."
This article was published in Article Link:   Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca |
