Senior Partner
Dmytro Konovalenko
Service
A US citizen with a 20-year-old conviction for a sexual offense sought legal assistance due to recurring complications with travel. The individual faced frequent scrutiny and delays arising from Interpol Green Notices issued in relation to their past conviction. Despite having served their sentence and leading a law-abiding life for decades, these notices disrupted their international travel and caused significant personal and professional hardships. To resolve the situation, they turned to Interpol lawyer Dmytro Konovalenko.
Legal Challenges
Interpol green notices are designed to provide warnings about individuals who may pose a threat to public safety, often based on criminal history. While these notices are not arrest warrants, they can severely impact the individual’s freedom of movement and reputation. The primary challenge was demonstrating that the continued issuance of Green Notices for a decades-old conviction was disproportionate and no longer relevant to public safety concerns. Additionally, the case required addressing potential human rights violations, including the right to privacy and freedom of movement.
Dmytro Konovalenko’s team meticulously analyzed the client’s situation, gathering evidence to demonstrate their reintegration into society and the lack of ongoing risk. They navigated the complexities of Interpol’s regulatory framework and international human rights standards, preparing a robust submission to contest the validity of the notices.
The Commission’s Decision
The case was submitted to the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF), which reviews requests for the deletion or correction of data maintained by Interpol. The CCF accepted the arguments presented by the legal team, concluding that the Green Notices no longer served their intended purpose and caused undue harm to the individual. As a result, Interpol ceased issuing Green Notices against the client, restoring their ability to travel freely and reclaim their reputation.
This decision marked a significant step toward safeguarding the client’s rights while reaffirming the principles of fairness and proportionality in the application of Interpol’s notices.