The International Criminal Police
Organization, Interpol, is a body that should serve the aim of combatting
transnational crime. It is based on a principle of good will and
should function in the full neutrality and respect of the fundamental
human rights;
Over the last years, there have been a number of cases,
in which Interpol and the “red notices” system in particular have
been abused by some member States for obtaining political goals,
repressing the freedom of expression or persecuting political opposition
abroad;
Such instrumental use of Interpol has provoked detentions
and, in some cases, forced returns of individuals critical of their
authorities back to the country where they risk torture or ill-treatment;
Interpol’s current structure and tools to prevent the
politically aimed misuse of its system have proven insufficient
and lacking in transparency;
Appealing the decision of Interpol on putting someone
on the international wanted list is very costly, often lengthy and
fruitless, as it can only be done by addressing the organization
with a formal request;
The misuse of Interpol system can cause serious damage
to one’s health, reputation and life;
Countries such as Kazakhstan and Russia collaborate closely
in the instrumental use of Interpol for obtaining political aims.
The Assembly, therefore:
Deplores
such instrumental and political use of Interpol system and recognizes
the need for its reform;
Decides to study the issue more profoundly and provide
conclusions in the form of a report on the issue of misuse of Interpol
system for political aims.
