INTERPOL claims to be politically neutral, but in practice this principle is often questioned. Some countries use the INTERPOL notification system for political purposes, which jeopardizes the rights of wanted persons and raises questions about the legality of such actions. This is especially true red notice, which can be used to put pressure on oppositionists and critics of the government.
What is the role of Interpol?
INTERPOL is an international organization that coordinates interaction between law enforcement agencies of participating countries. Its purpose is to contribute to the fight against transnational crime, but the organization does not have powers of forced detention. Countries use INTERPOL notices to inform each other about wanted persons, but each jurisdiction decides whether to take action to apprehend them.
The process of removing a notice is complex, especially when it comes to politically motivated requests. Persons included in the INTERPOL database can apply to remove an Interpol red notice, if they can prove that the notification violates the charter principles of the organization.
Abuse of political neutrality
Although INTERPOL is not officially involved in political conflicts, some countries use its mechanisms to persecute the opposition. This applies to political activists, journalists and entrepreneurs, whose criminal cases may be fabricated. Such cases undermine confidence in the INTERPOL system and require increased control over the verification of requests.
INTERPOL has provided mechanisms to protect against political abuse, including the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). However, the effectiveness of these tools remains questionable. In some cases, notifications remained active even after they were determined to be politically motivated.
Politically motivated red notice?
Political motivation in the use of Red Notice remains a serious problem. States may file extradition requests under the pretext of criminal prosecution when the actual goal is to eliminate a political opponent. Such notifications impede the movement of wanted individuals, limit their access to financial services and create legal complications.
Nature of the crime
INTERPOL considers the nature of the crime when assessing the validity of a Red Notice. If the accusation is politically motivated, the organization must refuse to distribute the notice. However, some countries find ways to circumvent these restrictions by filing requests under the guise of economic or criminal offenses.
Balance test
INTERPOL applies a balancing test to check whether the notice complies with the constitutional principles of the organization. The assessment process takes into account several key factors. First, the legal basis of the case and the reliability of the evidence presented are analyzed. Second, the possible risks to the accused are considered, including the possibility of political persecution, human rights violations and biased trials.
Additionally, INTERPOL evaluates whether the request complies with the requirements of international law. If inconsistency or signs of political pressure are found, the notification may be rejected. However, the effectiveness of the test largely depends on the independence of expert analysis and the lack of influence on the part of the initiating countries.
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