Meng Wanzhou’s Lawyers Call the Arrest “An Unlawful Abuse”

Huawei‘s CFO Meng Wanzhou appeared on May 8 in a Canadian court for a pre-extradition hearing on financial fraud charges linked to Iran sanctions violations. The trial was ordered to set a timetable for Meng’s upcoming extradition hearing, and her lawyers appealed for stay of proceedings based on three arguments.

SEE ALSO: U.S. to Make Formal Extradition Request of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou

The Chinese tech giant issued a media statement regarding the extradition case following its executive’s appearance in court. The company reiterated that the U.S.-ordered arrest was “an unlawful abuse of process – one guided by political considerations and tactics.”

Based on the statement, Meng’s lawyers made three key disclosures in court. For starters, her lawyers argued that the allegations against Meng are untrue. And her charter rights were seriously and repeatedly violated when she was arrested and detained, which was a coordinated effort of the Canadian police, the border agency and the FBI. Also, the arrest breached a core principle of the Canada-US Extradition Treaty and Canadian extradition law.

Earlier this year, Meng’s legal team filed a notice of civil claim against Canada’s government, border agency and police for violating her civil rights.

According to reporters who sat in for the hearing, the defense required more time to prepare since the US side has spent years building its case against Meng. Prosecutors, however, suggested they want to fast track the case. Eventually they settled on Sept. 23-25 and Sept. 30 – Oct. 4 for disclosure application.

In addition, the judge changed Meng’s bail terms and granted her to move from her 6 million, six-bedroom house to another of her homes which is worth $16 million and has seven bedrooms.

On social media, many Canadians question why Canada is helping the US when it has its own issues with the US over Northwest Passage and tariffs.

Featured Image Source: REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson