Fact Check : Meng Wanzhou Released By Canadian Court?

Spread the love

A photo of HUAWEI CFO Meng Wanzhou being freed by the Canadian court is going viral on social media.

Check out the viral photo for yourself, and find out what the FACTS really are!

 

Claim : Meng Wanzhou Released By Canadian Court!

This photo and accompanying English translation of the Chinese message is going viral on social media.

Just received…

“Canadian court have thrown out all detention charges against Meng Wanzhou.”

In the pic, the tracing device on her angle is being removed.

“The princess of Huawei free to return home in 4 days latest” it said.
_ _ _

Meng Wanzhou Chinese hoax

 

Meng Wanzhou Released By Canadian Court? Here Are The Facts!

The picture is genuine, but the entire premise and claim are FALSE. Here are the facts…

Fact #1 : Meng Wanzhou Is Still Under House Arrest In Canada

As of 10 September 2020, Meng Wanzhou is still under house arrest in Canada, awaiting the reopening of her extradition case in late September 2020.

Just four days ago, Global Times – a Chinese state-run media outlet – reiterated the demand by Chinese ambassador to Canada that they release Meng Wanzhou to repair relations between their two countries.

Fact #2 : That Was A Staged Photo Op From May 2020

The photo being shared on social media is genuine, but it was from her staged photo op on 23 May 2020. As reported by CBC :

With a momentous court ruling that could deliver her freedom days away, Meng Wanzhou appeared to take a premature victory lap on the weekend, posing for pictures and flashing a thumbs-up on the steps of B.C. Supreme Court.

The Huawei executive took part in a staged downtown Vancouver photo shoot as security guards stood watch Saturday evening. She jumped out of a black SUV to take centre stage once a group of family and friends had arranged themselves in front of a photographer.

Meng Wanzhou photo op 02
Photo Credit : Ben Nelms CBC

She took part in that staged photo op just before B.C. Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes planned to announce her decision on double criminality, which could have ended the extradition process.

Days later, on 27 May 2020, Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes ruled that the extradition case against Meng Wanzhou should proceed.

Fact #3 : They Were Not Removing Her Ankle Monitor

The photo that people were sharing as evidence that her ankle monitor was being removed was taken by Ben Nelms of CBC.

This was his description of the photo – Friends assist Meng with her GPS ankle monitoring bracelet as she prepares for photographs in front of the B.C. Supreme Court building.

NO, her ankle monitor was not being removed. Her friends was just helping her cover it up for the photo op.

She continues to wear a GPS ankle monitor, as part of the requirement for her house arrest while awaiting trial.

Meng Wanzhou photo op
Photo Credit : Ben Nelms CBC

Fact #4 : She Is NOT Free To Return To China

The viral post claims that Meng Wanzhou is free to return to China in just 4 days at the latest. Sadly for her, that’s not true.

She remains under house arrest, and is unlikely to return to China soon as her extradition case will only take place in late September 2020.

 

Why Would Someone Create This Fake Story?

With China’s aggressive foreign stance in recent years, it is not uncommon to see such fake stories being created and shared.

Some believe it’s part of a concerted attempt to burnish China’s image overseas.

Others believe the many fake stories are being created to drown out the negative coverage of China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative, and their aggressive moves in the South China Sea.

Whatever the reasons may be, it is our duty as global citizens to stop the proliferation of such fake stories.

Please share this debunking with your friends, so they know the truth!

 

Recommended Reading

Go Back To > Fact Checks | Home

 

Support Tech ARP!

If you like our work, you can help support our work by visiting our sponsors, participating in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donating to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!


About The Author

Leave a Reply