Huawei executive has strong arguments to avoid extradition to U.S.: McCallum

OTTAWA — John McCallum, Canada’s ambassador to China, says there are strong legal arguments Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou can make to help her avoid extradition to the United States.

Meng was arrested Dec. 1 in Vancouver at the behest of U.S. authorities, who have alleged she used a Huawei subsidiary to evade sanctions against Iran.

Her arrest has opened a rift in the Canada-China relationship and Beijing has warned of consequences for Canada unless she’s released.

Speaking to Chinese reporters Tuesday in the Toronto area, McCallum listed several arguments Meng’s legal team can make in her defence.

He says they could argue that there’s been possible political involvement following comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that he would consider intervening in her case if it would help him secure a favourable trade deal with China.

McCallum also says she can argue against the extra-territorial aspect to her case and the fact that the allegations are related to Iran sanctions, which Canada did not sign onto.

“I think she has some strong arguments that she can make before a judge,” McCallum said.

The Canadian Press

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