Huawei executive Wanzhou arrives in China after being freed in Canada

Dozens of supporters gather at China's Shenzhen Bao'an Airport for Huawei CFO after she reached an agreement with US prosecutors to end the bank fraud case against her.

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou waves upon arriving from Canada at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, China on September 25, 2021.
AP

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou waves upon arriving from Canada at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport, China on September 25, 2021.

Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has arrived in China, according to state media, after three years of house arrest in Canada fighting extradition to the United States for allegedly violating US sanctions.

State broadcaster CCTV showed Meng's plane landing in southern Shenzhen airport, where a red carpet had been laid out for her arrival and a crowd of several hundred had gathered in support.

A Canadian judge on Friday ended extradition proceedings against Wanzhou and ordered her bail conditions lifted, effectively freeing her and bringing to a close a nearly three-year legal saga.

The decision by British Columbia Supreme Court Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes comes after Meng earlier reached a deferred prosecution agreement with US prosecutors to avoid felony fraud charges. 

"I've signed the order of discharge," Holmes said at the end of a short hearing in which Canadian government lawyers acting on behalf of the United States requested the stay of proceedings and removal of bail conditions.

Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Vancouver while fighting extradition to the United States to face fraud charges related to a Huawei subsidiary's selling of equipment in Iran in violation of sanctions.

READ MORE: US negotiates deal for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou's release

AP

A woman holds a sign reading "Welcome home Meng Wanzhou" as supporters of the Huawei CFO gather at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport in Shenzhen, China on September 25, 2021.

Life turned upside down

Outside the Vancouver courthouse, Meng thanked the judge, her supporters, Chinese officials and even the Canadian government for "upholding the rule of law."

"Over the past three years, my life has been turned upside down," she said in English. "It was (a) disruptive time for me as a mother, a wife and company executive."

"But," she added, "I believe every cloud has a silver lining. It really was an invaluable experience in my life... As the saying goes, the greater the difficulty, the greater the growth."

Canada's justice department, meanwhile, issued a statement confirming that Meng is now "free to leave Canada."

READ MORE: US misleading Canada in extradition case: Huawei executive's lawyer

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