Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou Appears in Canadian Court

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou’s lawyer has today raised comments made by President Donald Trump during her brief appearance at a Canadian court in relation to her extradition request from the United States.

According to Reuters, the judge has set Meng’s next court date for May 8.

(DARRYL DYCK/THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP)

Meng’s lawyer Richard Peck said her team plans to discuss with prosecutors what applications will be brought between now and May 8. While speaking before B.C. Supreme Court Justice Heather J. Holmes, Peck also noted there are concerns over the political nature of Meng’s case and comments made by Trump.

Meng was arrested by Canadian authorities back in December at the request of the United States, which kicked off a diplomatic dispute with China. Following her arrest, China also arrested two Canadians on national security grounds and sentenced another to death.

Meanwhile, Trump said in December that he would possibly intervene in the criminal trial if it could help him to secure a trade deal with China.



The Huawei CFO arrest has caused a breakdown of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. China has retaliated against Canada by accusing detained Canadians of stealing state secrets, while today the country revoked a Canadian canola permit, in an economic response.

The U.S. Department of Justice is now pursuing the extradition of Meng, alleging the Huawei CFO played a part in the company bypassing U.S. sanctions against Iran.