Article content continued

The government news release Friday announcing the decision appeared to take into consideration the deeply sensitive nature of Meng’s case and the allegations of political interference that surround it. The first line in the release declares: “Canada is a country governed by the rule of law.”

It goes on to say the decision follows a “thorough and diligent review” of the evidence in this case.

Ultimately, Justice Minister David Lametti must decide whether Meng is extradited, which is why his department said he will not comment on the facts of the case.

It heads back to the British Columbia Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The extradition hearing won’t render a verdict of guilt or innocence. If Meng is eventually extradited, her actual trial will take place in the United States.

Following Friday’s decision, Meng’s defence team said it’s disappointed Lametti let the process proceeding “in the face of the political nature of the U.S. charges and where the president of the United States has repeatedly stated that he would interfere in Ms. Meng’s case if he thought it would assist the U.S. negotiations with China over a trade deal.”

Photo by Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

The statement, signed by David J. Martin, continued by saying the defence is also concerned the minister gave his approval even though the acts the U.S. wants to try Meng for would not be an offence in Canada.

“Our client maintains that she is innocent of any wrongdoing and that the U.S. prosecution and extradition constitutes an abuse of the processes of law.”