The issue for Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes at the first stage of the hearing is whether Ms. Meng’s alleged offence could be prosecuted if committed in Canada
. Ms. Meng’s lawyers say no, because Canada has no economic sanctions against Iran. The Canadian government says yes, because the charge of fraud exists here, too, and sanctions are merely the context in which Ms. Meng made her alleged misrepresentations to banks in 2013.
The judge and lawyer seemed to be speaking on different wavelengths, Vancouver immigration lawyer Richard Kurland, who is watching the hearing from the public gallery out of interest, said in an interview.He said the big picture is whether Canada would become a sanctuary for those who violate foreign laws and enter Canada without the possibility of extradition. “The court has to look at that from a public policy perspective.
“The innocent victim of a misrepresentation simply cannot in law be at risk of civil fines or criminal penalties,” Mr. Fenton said, “and certainly not in this country.” Another sign that Associate Chief Justice Holmes was struggling with the defence argument is that she asked more than once whether the arguments about alleged harm to the banks should be put off till a later stage of the case, when evidence as to whether Ms. Meng committed an offence will be heard.Mr. Fenton said no, they were dealing with a matter of law, not evidence.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hours before extradition hearing, China again demands immediate release of Meng WanzhouForeign ministry spokesman says Canada and U.S. are abusing extradition process
Read more »
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's extradition hearing starts todayMore than a year after her arrest, the extradition hearing of Meng Wanzhou begins today in Vancouver.
Read more »
LIVE UPDATES: Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou arrives for first day of extradition hearingHuawei CFO Meng Wanzhou has arrived at a B.C. courthouse for the first day of her extradition hearing. Wanzhou was arrested in December 2018. Follow along with live updates here:
Read more »
Fraud allegations against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou are a ‘facade,’ defence saysAt issue at this week’s hearing is the legal test of double criminality, meaning if the conduct she’s accused of would also be a crime in Canada then Meng should be extradited to face the accusations
Read more »
Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou’s extradition hearing begins in VancouverDespite the celebrity atmosphere, the case has enormous consequences for Canada internationally, politically and economically as the fate of two Canadians detained in China remains uncertain
Read more »