On 13 February 2019, we reported that the Canadian Justice Department had until 1 March 2019, to decide whether to grant an “Authority to Proceed” which would allow the extradition hearing of, Huawei CFO, Meng Wanzhou, to take place.
On 1 March 2019, the Canadian Justice Department confirmed that they have issued an “Authority to Proceed”.
The text below was taken from the Canadian Justice Department’s press release on this matter:
“Canada is a country governed by the rule of law. Extradition in Canada is guided by the Extradition Act, international treaties and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which enshrines constitutional principles of fairness and due process.
Today, Department of Justice Canada officials issued an Authority to Proceed, formally commencing an extradition process in the case of Ms. Meng Wanzhou.
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.
The next step in the case is as follows:
The British Columbia Supreme Court has scheduled an appearance date for March 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) to confirm that an Authority to Proceed has been issued and to schedule the date for the extradition hearing.
During the extradition hearing, the Crown will make its detailed arguments in its submissions to the Court, where evidence will be filed and become part of the public record.
An extradition hearing is not a trial, nor does it render a verdict of guilt or innocence. If a person is ultimately extradited from Canada to face prosecution in another country, the individual will have a trial in that country.
While court proceedings are underway, Ms. Meng will remain on bail subject to her existing conditions, as set by the court.”
You can find more about the background to the case here.
Categories: Canada, Hong Kong, United States
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