Country Profiles: Interpol Abuse, Arrests and Extradition

The UK has been increasingly misusing the Interpol database to seek to extradite persons wanted simply for "questioning". The UK has a complex precedent based system that has denied extraditions from countries like the UAE, but approved requests from many other countries, even where human rights violations are likely. Famously, the UK approved Julian Assange's extradition.

Spain's streamlined extradition process for non-citizens puts people at significant risk of arrest and deportation.

Venezuela has a history of targeting political opponents, dissidents and critics of the government. Has Interpol actually stopped this abuse?

It took high levels of diplomacy and an international campaign to protect Hakeem Al Araibi from extradition to Bahrain. Others haven't been so lucky.

ROK has listed foreigners with little due process or evidence of crimes. Victims face Interpol Red Notices for simply being acquainted with a company or individual who is wanted. The Kingdom has redacted substantial segments of documentation when Interpol has sought evidence of wrongdoing. Their Notices have led to lengthy detentions for victims of Interpol abuse.

While signing the Abraham Accords was certainly a progressive step for Bahrain, visitors should be aware that the country is still profoundly oppressive. Police often act with impunity and the judiciary lacks meaningful independence.

Russia has been criticised for misusing the Interpol Red Notice system to target political opponents and dissidents. Russia has also acted as a desperately needed safety net for victims of Interpol Abuse initiated by other countries.

The US is one of the most active users of the Interpol database, often weaponizing the system. Does the US take other country's Red Notice's seriously when it comes to immigration visas or extradition?