KombackBlog | Huawei Iran Sanctions Evidence Too Risky

The Huawei prosecution has forced government lawyers to balance evidence rules and a defendant’s right to a fair trial, while safeguarding intelligence gathering.

A similar dilemma has threatened to undermine a case brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller against 16 individuals and companies in Russia over election meddling, because the government is refusing to disclose some sensitive evidence.

For now, the Huawei Iran case is proceeding with disclosures to the company’s American defense lawyers under restrictions set June 10 by U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn, New York.

On Wednesday, she scheduled a Sept. 4 hearing to decide whether one Huawei lawyer, James M. Cole, should be disqualified because he had access to classified data when he worked as a Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. from 2011 to 2015. Cole, now a partner at Sidley Austin LLP, has said he has no conflict.

Unusual Restrictions on Huawei Iran

Donnelly’s order includes unusual restrictions, even for sanctions cases, legal experts said.

Some of the evidence can only be reviewed by defense lawyers who are U.S. citizens, because the information could identify potential witnesses or contain “national security” material, prosecutors say.

Those documents must be stored on a computer that isn’t connected to the Internet and can’t be taken or transmitted outside the country or shared with Huawei.

If Huawei lawyers want to share sensitive material with anyone outside the U.S., they must notify the government. There are also provisions for allowing foreign nationals to view the evidence in the U.S., including with safe-passage guarantees against arrest. There are also options for reviewing information outside the country, but only in the presence of U.S. defense lawyers.

Without such provisions, Huawei Iran could accuse the U.S. of hampering its ability to defend itself, said Henry Mazurek, a partner at law firm Meister Seelig and Fein LLP in New York.

Huawei’s close ties to the Chinese government have impacted the willingness of the U.S. to share evidence with the company, but prosecutors are obligated to turn over evidence, said Fayhee, the former federal prosecutor.

“The government has the view, as also substantiated by its recent blacklisting, that Huawei Iran is an arm of the Chinese government,” Fayhee said. “The founder of the company served nearly a decade as an engineer with the People’s Liberation Army, and continued connections have been regularly alleged. But that’s what the government signed up for when it decided to bring this case.”

Huawei Iran Sanctions Evidence Too Risky

Related

Chris Keall: Why Trump Is Huawei’s Best Friend At G20

Huawei-China Retaliation: Beijing Draws Up Counter List

U.S Tech Company Projects $2B A Year

Recent Posts

How to Start Snail Farming (Heliciculture) in Nigeria

Ukwa Fruit Seed Meal In Nigeria

How to Start a Candle Business in Nigeria in 2026

Hair Tools for Salon-Quality Styles at Home

Groundnuts Health Benefits: Nutrition & Skin

Top Platforms to Get Funding for Your Startup in Nigeria

Huawei Iran Sanctions Evidence Too Risky

Huawei Iran Sanctions Evidence Is Too Risky For China To See

Unusual Restrictions on Huawei Iran

Related

Related Post

Recent Posts