Gulf in Justice Podcast reveals Israelis keen to do business with the UAE might be jumping in the deep end, risking their reputations and even their lives. UAE expert Radha Stirling, discusses the issue in depth. Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling, has warned Israelis who explore commercial relations in the UAE, could face untold risks that could see their life savings stolen, their businesses damaged or ruined, and could even see them winding up in one of the country's notorious prisons. Sean Hannity weighs in on celebrity promotion of the nation of contradictions in the new episode of Gulf in Justice. Stirling says “The UAE immediately embarked upon fresh campaigns directed at Israeli investors and businesses, hoping to entice entrepreneurs to expand their activities into the untapped Middle Eastern economy. And the Israeli commerce sector is equally excited for reciprocal trade and commerce, looking forward to openly accepting Arab investors into local activities. “Israeli Banks and financial institutions are excited to work with banks in the Emirates and according to the Senior Vice President of Bank Hapoalim, are already in discussions. But banks in the UAE have a long and sinister history and existing Israeli banks who partner with them may end up sharing in the reputational damage that they attract, as they steal foreign investment, land, jail customers or report them to Interpol. On the other hand, the normalisation of dealings may force UAE banks to rise to international standards of process. “In reality, both scenarios are likely to run contemporaneously, as they struggle to merge ideas and practices. Ultimately, I expect that things will improve, but not without teething issues that will last for years and decades. “Israelis are likely to feel a sense of confidence to deal with banks, especially with a push from their own country. This confidence and hope is likely to overshadow any doubt or fear and like many before them, they will only find out about the threats of investing in the UAE, when it is too late. “I founded Detained in Dubai in 2008 and have seen quite literally, thousands of quite terrifying actions and campaigns against investors and entrepreneurs, who are the most vulnerable people in the UAE. “The Israeli media is only just beginning their investigations into endless abuses against foreigners and few will pay attention to what is seen as negative, in the face of more uplifting events like the UAE-Israel Digital Economy Summit which took place this month. “The devastating effects of covid lockdowns throughout the world has made both countries even more eager to explore and Joseph Dov Kohan of Kramer Electronics said this couldn’t have come at a better time. The issue comes when mutual enthusiasm overshadows due diligence and risk assessment. Individuals and businesses can end up severely damaged, with huge financial losses, and in the UAE quite commonly, mistakes can lead to jail for the officers of the companies. Israelis have simply not experienced this yet but it is inevitable that they will. “Enthusiasm and let’s say, recklessness, is a trait of many successful entrepreneurs, and much innovation around the world. But when it comes to the Middle East, this “go getter” attitude can mean the end of business and innovation, and even complete and utter ruin to the tune of hundreds of millions. And the more successful one is, the more likely they are to be targeted by experienced locals, some of whom have amassed their fortunes by screwing over foreign investors. “The British, the Americans, Australians and Europeans have all been victims of systemic business and investment theft, made possible by a non-independent judiciary that is more of a tool of legal abuse for powerful Emiratis. Put it this way, if gambling on legal outcomes in the UAE were a thing, you can always bet on the local and it’s not because they are wiser or more knowledgeable, but because of the corruption that encapsulates the entire law enforcement apparatus, established to benefit Emiratis, who are actually a minority group in their own country. “Trade advocates are encouraging Israelis to respect Emirati culture to avoid issues. The Brits, though, have been in alliance with the UAE for decades. But the UAE is still the most likely place for British nationals to run into legal trouble abroad. We are not talking about Brits who have committed serious crimes or those who have been offensive, ungracious or disrespectful. We are talking specifically about those Brits, whether tourists, expats or investors, who have been abused by Emiratis. We are talking about rape victims who were jailed for sex outside marriage, about Scott Richards for supporting a charity on facebook, Laleh Shahravesh for calling someone “horse face” from outside of the jurisdiction of the UAE and those who have become indebted to a bank through no fault of their own, criminalised by a system designed to give banks a jail card to hold over struggling foreigners”. Ms Stirling discusses the potential risks to Israelis, issues pertaining to free speech, the UAE’s cybercrime and social media laws, the persecution of minority groups and the serious risk to businessmen and investors. Detained in Dubai is an organisation founded in 2008 by Radha Stirling, leading human rights advocate, crisis manager and policy consultant, focusing on the UAE and the wider Middle East. Stirling is a Criminal & Civil Justice Specialist, Expert Witness, Speaker, Founder of Due Process International, Detained in Dubai, IPEX Reform, Gulf Investment Monitor and the Gulf in Justice Podcast. Veteran Middle East justice expert Radha Stirling launched her podcast Gulf in Justice in August 2020. Stirling has helped more than fifteen thousand clients over her thirteen years with organisation Detained in Dubai, which she founded in 2008. Gulf in Justice discusses up to date topical issues, interviewing a variety of guests and promoting change in the region. Detained in Dubai is an organisation that campaigns against judicial abuse in the UAE and Gulf region on behalf of expats and tourists, its founder and CEO, Radha Stirling, is the leading international commentator on the justice systems in the Gulf, a pioneer advocate for reform of Interpol, and a sought after analyst for Western policy makers. Listen to the Gulf in Justice Podcast on Spotify Or Listen on the Gulf in Justice Website - Will Changes In Harsh Laws Recharge United Arab Emirates As A Business And Tourist Destination?

Alan Stevenson detention is ‘an abuse of his rights’ Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai explains that,“Alan's case is emblematic of what has been happening with ever greater frequency from the Gulf states. “Interpol has been hijacked by authoritarian regimes around the world who abuse the red notice system to persecute political opponents, dissidents, independent journalists, and private individuals over financial disputes.” Ms Stirling said that countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates led the world in wrongful “red notice” requests for debt collection, which was an abuse of Interpol rules." Read more at The Royal Gazette Here www.radhastirling.com www.detainedindubai.org

An Emirati’s potential appointment as Interpol head draws criticism The UAE is one of the biggest abusers of the interpol database, which is used to issue Red Warrants for arresting people in other countries. The Interpol’s credibility is once again on the line as a top Emirati cop is vying to become the head of the international police agency. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proposed that its police chief, Major General Nasser Ahmed al Raisi, be appointed for a four-year term as the next head of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol). “This is a mockery of Interpol if they appoint him as a director,” says Radha Stirling, founder of the consultancy Detained in Dubai, which helps people facing issues with the UAE law. The UAE is one of the biggest abusers of the Interpol database and is behind regular issuance of the Red Notices, she tells TRT World. Raisi already sits on an Interpol executive committee and the UAE will host the next general assembly where the decision for the next Interpol head will be announced. Issued by Interpol from its headquarters in Lyon, France, a Red Notice is like an international arrest warrant that is circulated about its 194 member countries. Stirling, who has been helping people for 12 years in dealing with Red Notices made on the insistence of the UAE, says most of the cases involve credit card and mortgage defaults. The Notices are generally reserved for serious criminal offenders. But the UAE has increasingly used Interpol as an international debt collector. In some cases, people who have a Red Warrant against them don’t even know about it. They find out only when they are questioned or detained at border checks such as the immigration at airports. Over the years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Red Notices, aided by online communication, which has allowed governments to quickly share information. Another reason has to do with the increase in use of social media apps such as Twitter and Facebook that have magnified the voice of political dissidents who can spearhead their campaigns from other countries. Raisi’s proposal is particularly worrying for rights activists as he is accused of overseeing torture of people detained in the UAE. Matthew Hedges, a Durham University student from the UK, accuses Raisi of being directly involved in his torture. Hedges was detained for months after his arrest on spying charges for British intelligence. He was later freed. Crisis of credibility In recent years, fingers have been pointed at Interpol’s credibility especially after the arrest of its former head, Meng Hongwei, the first Chinese national to head the law enforcement outfit. Hongwei was a well-known Chinese police officer and involved in Beijing’s anti-graft efforts. But within two years of being appointed as Interpol director in 2016, he was arrested by the Chinese authorities for taking $2 million in bribes. He is facing more than 13 years in prison. Similarly, Jackie Selebi, a South African police officer had to step down as head of the global police force in 2008 after he was charged for taking bribes from a convicted drug trafficker. Besides having to deal with a reputational crisis because of controversial appointments, there has been a growing concern that countries with poor human rights record want the coveted post to go after political dissidents. Stirling says the public in the United States, UK and European countries could pressure their governments to break ties with Interpol if it decides to appoint Raisi as its head. “The only reason I see why UAE is being considered is because it is a major financial contributor. So it’s like it has made a bid for the job.” read the full story at TRT World here

INTERPOL’s global reputation been damaged over the last decade due to their negligence in allowing member countries to misuse the international law enforcement organisation. More specifically, serious questions have been raised regarding transparency, as Interpol’s top funders have proven to also be the leading abusers of its system. Interpol, as an international organisation, has largely escaped accountability through its complex setup and a level of inaccessibility that amounts to immunity from scrutiny or redress. Interpol’s primary role is to communicate information between countries, often with a view to requesting a country to process an arrest and extradition of a wanted individual, through their domestic legal system. No comprehensive mechanism exists, however, to hold Interpol accountable to the public; and there is no “presumption of innocence” in the reporting process, nor even a substantial burden of proof required before an individual finds himself or herself listed on the Interpol database. The public, any member of whom may wind up subjected to a Red or Blue Notice by Interpol, has no means of oversight and no channel for compensation if they have been wrongfully listed. Interpol is only accountable to its member countries who provide hundreds of millions of dollars in donations every year. Interpol has previously had to refund donations to FIFA and has accepted donations from the private sector, including from corporate giant Phillip Morris, causing widespread controversy respecting their independence. It is more controversial however, to accept donations from countries who have the access and ability to report wanted persons. Interpol has vested interests in maintaining relations with all member states and has been reluctant to discipline countries who are known to abuse the system. Why would Interpol seek to risk an annual £50 million donation by requesting a country like the UAE to stop them from wrongfully reporting credit card debt as fraud? It is only the individuals who fall victim to this abuse after all and they are unlikely to be able to make Interpol compensate them. Interpol Abuse has been investigated and reported by Al Jazeera, Qatar’s own independent news broadcaster, in“ People and Power ”, where a number of cases were discussed, while Fair Trials International & Detained in Dubai have been campaigning for an end to Interpol Abuse for a number of years. Radha Stirling , founder of Detained in Dubai and Detained in Doha , has been assisting clients remove their name from Interpol’s databases for over ten years. She also acts as an expert witness in extradition cases worldwide. Ms Stirling said “There are three most common types of Interpol abuse. The first is where a civil matter, business dispute, credit card debt or bounced cheque, is reported to Interpol under the inaccurate category of “fraud”. Interpol accepts the report without question. “The second involves reporting journalists, bloggers or those with a public opinion that does not support a government in power, as “terrorists” or similar. In most instances, the individual concerned is outside of the reporting country, exercising their free speech. Interpol accepts the report without question. “The third involves completely fabricated allegations that are reported to Interpol by people who make use of a more corrupt or backward government’s legal system to make false reports for the purpose of extortion or even for spite, knowing that ultimately, the report will be removed but that it will cause the reported party to be temporarily detained. This is more common in less developed countries. Interpol accepts the report without question. “Once Interpol accepts and circulates a notice, it will likely lead to the arrest and detention of the subject. If the notice is a result of one of the “abuse categories” noted above, that person will need to apply for the cancellation of the notice. Interpol allows themselves anywhere up to nine months, but can extend the timeframe if they choose to. Remaining on Interpol’s database as a victim of abuse for such lengthy periods of time often leads to the loss of employment or business transactions, the inability to obtain residency visas or continue with normal plans, damage to one’s reputation, high legal costs, emotional trauma, PTSD and an unquantifiable personal toll.” Interpol is coming under increased public demand to penalise member countries who repetitively abuse Interpol’s system. Interpol needs to have a processing department that reviews preliminary supporting evidence before listing a report and penalise member countries who are repeat offenders. Member countries should also be financially penalised if upon review, Interpol agrees to remove a notice and those who are wrongfully reported, should be compensated. It is clear that Interpol’s timeframes for dealing with removal requests are irresponsible and abusive in themselves. The removal of wrongful Interpol reports should be their absolute priority. No victim of abuse should remain on the database for any more time than absolutely necessary. If Interpol does not clean up their system and ensure innocent people are not persecuted, they will be made accountable through the courts and will be forced to change. Qatar and UAE banks still criminalise debt. Expatriates who are made redundant or have an unexpected change of circumstances are forced to flee so as to avoid custodial sentences. Most debtors are keen to repay their obligations from abroad once they have resettled, but banks have little tolerance for any disruption and will approach debt recovery aggressively, employing illegal tactics like harassment of family, friends, colleagues or personnel at a new place of employment. The debtor will often offer what they can afford on a monthly basis but the bank will not accept it. Their next pressure tactic will be the use of Interpol. After securing a local criminal conviction, the bank will escalate a debt to Interpol, reporting it as “fraud”. Interpol should not have a single bank debt on their database but have accepted notices for credit card debts as low as €15,000 Euros. In the past two years, there have been a number of arrests as a result of a bank’s malicious report including a woman in Italy, two in Germany and one in Sweden. Stirling continued “innocent people are being jailed for up to 45 days over credit card debts because Interpol has failed in their duty of care to the public. Even after the 45 days in prison, they still have to wait up to a year to have their name cleared. It’s a devastating situation for the victims and a huge embarrassing failure for Interpol. If Interpol can not even prevent basic atrocities, how can they be respected as a competent data provider? “We continue to encourage countries like Qatar and the UAE to self regulate, but there is little incentive when Interpol itself is not enforcing its own charter”. Anyone who believes they may be at risk of an Interpol notice should seek confidential expert advice as soon as possible to either prevent escalation or to remove an existing notice. #DetainedinDubai #DetainedinDoha #Doha #Qatar #InterpolAbuse #WrongfulInterpol #Extradition #Dubai #UAE #MiddleEast #Debt #DebtorsPrison #InterpolRedNotice #DebtNegotiation #RadhaStirling #InterpolRemoval

Interpol has come under increased scrutiny over the past decade, as countries notorious for human rights violations, have abused their membership with Interpol to expand their powers of arrest beyond their borders, resulting in countless arrests that never should have happened. Interpol and Extradition Expert Radha Stirling, who founded Detained in Dubai, IPEX Reform, and the Gulf in Justice Podcast, has been the most outspoken critic of Interpol since she took on her first case of “Interpol abuse” in 2008. Stirling has worked closely with policy and legislative advisors, think tanks and political figures in Washington DC, to encourage the United States to demand policy changes within Interpol that would stop corruption, pay to play scenarios, Interpol abuse, and the misuse of Interpol by countries like China, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi, Bahrain and Qatar who are notorious for abusing the crime organisation by listing journalists, dissidents, debtors and those who individuals seek to harass or extort on the red notice database. After recent reports that an Emirati accused of human rights abuses and torture was being considered for appointment as the President of Interpol, the Heritage Foundation published a white paper by Ted R. Bromund, PhD encouraging the United States to promote democratic leadership within Interpol. Radha Stirling, who just fought off a Qatar extradition request of a Scottish man for carrying a legal herb grinder from Australia to the UK, commented on the progress “It’s clear that the United States government is taking the issue of Interpol Abuse seriously. “US citizens who have been listed on Interpol’s red notice database have been allowed to enter the USA without being detained.  In fact, airport authorities have advised Interpol “fugitives” to deal with the red notice and be careful traveling to other countries in the meantime.  These actions alone show the US government is aware and authorities are briefed that Interpol notices from the Middle East should not be taken too seriously. “Sadly, not all countries are as informed.  In other cases of Interpol abuse, we have seen innocent victims locked up in foreign prisons for weeks, months and even in excess of a year as they fight protracted extradition proceedings.  Even when they are ultimately released, they are not compensated.  Where the red notice was found to be abusive, all Interpol has done is remove the notice.  They have not compensated the victim and nor have they sanctioned or terminated the membership of the abusive country. “I’m pleased think tanks like the influential DC based Heritage Foundation are supporting our calls for reform.  Heritage has called for the US to pressure a democratic process to elect the President of Interpol from “law abiding” democracies.  This would hopefully eliminate Interpol’s tendency to appoint leaders from oppressive regimes like China and the UAE who are notorious for serious Interpol abuse and human rights violations. “Heritage supports our opposition to the appointment of the UAE’s Major General Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi as President, which would make an absolute mockery of the already damaged reputation of Interpol. “Scandals, corruption, donations from countries with atrocious human rights records, with the Chinese former President’s arrest, with the Hakeem Al Araibi ordeal, with Robert Urwin, Alan Stevenson, Conor Howard and now the appointment of an Emirati General accused of torture, the organisation can not take much more before it is abandoned by members like the United States. “Interpol’s integrity is at the cliff’s edge, and the appointment of Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi would topple it right over. “With increasing support in the United States for reform, change is inevitable if the organisation is to survive.”

“After thirteen years and thousands of cases of injustice, it’s encouraging to see Dubai making steps toward positive change. Some of these changes were long overdue and we are keen to see them in operation, while others are the public relations endeavours of a country in serious economic hardship. “It’s a positive step to oblige arresting officers to have a translator present if a subject doesn’t speak Arabic, but the conspicuous absence of procedural laws for police investigators and prosecutors means that the issues most tourists encounter will remain. A translator at the point of the arrest does not protect individuals from the common issue of forced confessions in Arabic and a case will not be dismissed because of a failure to follow this law at the point of arrest. “In a city where prostitution is rife and cohabitation common, finally legalising consensual sex is a positive step towards preventing unnecessary criminal prosecutions, though there is no specification as to whether adultery violations will still be criminal and when there are conflicting laws, which will prevail. “It is illegal to commit suicide in the UAE and people who have tried to kill themselves in the past, have been arrested, prosecuted and jailed. This is a disgraceful treatment of people who need help, but the UAE held off from decriminalising suicide. Instead, the courts have offered a possible alternative to jail, a treatment institution. Either way, anyone who attempts suicide will be ordered by the court into a prison or an institution. “A number of expats have become suicidal when their passports have been confiscated and they have been forced to stay in the country but not allowed to work. Foreigners are at risk of homelessness if they are made redundant and default on any financial obligations which prevent them from leaving the country and from working. They become stuck in an endless cycle. “Alcohol laws have been relaxed to ease prohibitions of muslims drinking, but the main issue for foreigners with alcohol, has been that it remains illegal to have any blood alcohol content in public and people are often arrested and charged with alcohol related crimes. If someone makes a frivolous police report, the subject can be charged with alcohol related crimes, even if unrelated to the core of the issue. This abuse will not stop. The prevalence of alcohol throughout the UAE paints a picture that alcohol is legal when in fact, anyone can be charged with alcohol possession if they have been drinking. Tourists should never consider that Dubai is Ibiza. “There were no changes to protect investors, entrepreneurs and expat workers and no changes to decriminalise debt and eliminate travel bans. We still have a number of expats who are stuck in the UAE now, on the basis of outdated laws. “These are steps in the right direction, but in no way are they comprehensive protections for visitors and expats. The UAE has been scrutinised for serious human rights violations, wrongful arrests, arbitrary detentions, the outright theft of foreign investment, money laundering, and torture. “These are great headlines for the Emirates but should not make tourists or investors feel any safer for the time being. “The UAE’s cybercrime laws that see visitors jailed for facebook posts, tweets, promoting charities or “insulting behaviour” have seen numerous foreigners arrested. Laleh Shahravesh was arrested for calling someone a “horse face” while she lived in England. An American woman was arrested for asking for her wages, and Scott Richards for promoting a charity cause on Facebook. The UAE remains a minefield for foreigners and short holidays can turn into permanent stays at the click of a finger. “We will continue to see legal abuse, arbitrary arrests, business theft, debt hostages, and human rights violations in the Emirate but we hope over time, the UAE becomes a safer place for all.” https://www.radhastirling.com/ www.detainedindubai.org

Interpol Abuse Expert appalled as Interpol, once again, puts its credibility on the line with leaked documents revealing Emirati bid for presidency. Emirati security chief Major General Nasser Ahmed al-Raisi has made a bid to become the new head of Interpol. Veteran Interpol and Extradition expert Radha Stirling, issued a statement today: “Interpol is complicit in numerous and serious human rights abuses and will soon be held to account. Interpol has become a pay to play organisation, open to manipulation and abuse by countries with poor human rights records. Countries like the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Egypt and China have been able to use the crime tool for their own personal vendettas. Countries like the Emirates have used Interpol’s reach to extend their jurisdiction beyond their borders, causing the arrest, detention and prosecution abroad of many innocent victims. Innocent individuals have been listed on Interpol, arrested, detained and tried for “crimes” that don’t even meet Interpol’s minimum reporting criteria. Journalists, activists, businessmen and credit card debtors have been locked up in Western nations at the mere request of countries who repeatedly take advantage of their membership with Interpol. “Western countries do not make civilian arrests because they trust the United Arab Emirates. They make arrests because of their relationship with, and trust for, Interpol. Such trust has been terribly misplaced and abused, making a mockery of the entire crime agency and putting people’s lives at risk. The UAE has been the top abuser of Interpol in the Gulf region, reporting victims to Interpol as international fugitives to either punish or extort them and what’s worse, Interpol knows it. Every time Interpol cancels a red notice, they are made aware that the notice should never have been issued in the first place. But do they punish or sanction the issuing country? No. Do they compensate the victim? No. Do they continue to cooperate with and accept millions from that country? Yes. It is no surprise that while the UAE is one of Interpol’s largest abusers, it is also one of Interpol’s largest donors. “The former President of Interpol represented China, before his arrest. China has been criticised for its own abuse of Interpol’s database, and now we have the UAE making a bid for the job. Interpol’s credibility is already at an all time low, with Hollywood movies failing to counter the growing awareness that Interpol is just a pawn, submitting to extreme exploitation by rogue nations for cash. “The United Kingdom, along with a majority of Western nations, have refused to extradite to the United Arab Emirates because of the ‘real risk of human rights violations and unfair trials’. It is astonishing enough that countries with clear and repeated abuse of Interpol’s protocols have membership and a seat at the board but the potential appointment of Major General Nasser Ahmed al-Raisi though, would be sufficient cause for Western nations to fully withdraw all financial support for the crime body. If you can’t imagine the impact Interpol has on real lives, think Hakeem Al Araibi, Bahareh Zare Bahari, Robert Urwin and Alan Stevenson. Imagine being arrested and prosecuted in Greece, Ukraine, Thailand, Philippines on the basis of a frivolous Interpol request from an abusive country. Imagine being swarmed by a police squad at a restaurant in Rome, humiliated, jailed and forced to undergo extradition proceedings. This is what we are dealing with. Countries like Saudi, Qatar and the UAE are enabled to abuse individuals in the West, without consequence, without penalty and even worse, at our own expense. This has to stop. “The US, UK & EU countries simply can not continue to support an agency, headed by an Emirati who has been personally accused of human rights abuses and torture, without risking lawsuits. If Western nations continue to support the organisation and act on its red notices, while being fully aware of the levels of abuse, they may find themselves liable to damages. We are finalising our recommendations to Interpol and advice to Western governments” Radha Stirling is the founder of Detained in Dubai and IPEX Reform. Established by Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai, and a leading voice against Interpol abuse, Interpol and Extradition Reform (IPEX) is a comprehensive initiative to address the widespread and multilayered problems with the current framework of the extradition process, including the many flaws in Interpol itself as an organisation. Radha Stirling has successfully lobbied Australian Parliament to include human rights provisions in their extradition treaty with the UAE, appeared for the defence as an expert witness in several high profile extradition cases and has worked tirelessly to remove wrongfully listed clients from Interpol’s database. She has led the call for greater Interpol transparency and reforms to end abuse by an emerging “authoritarian nexus” which misuses the Interpol Red Notice system to circumvent due process. ​ IPEX demands that Interpol implement practical measures to ensure the protection of refugees from politically motivated malicious extradition requests, including the establishment of data sharing agreements with the UNHCR and national governments so that individuals who have been granted asylum will not be put at risk of extradition to the countries from which they have fled. This proposal is currently supported by prominent barristers in the United Kingdom, human rights organisations, and activists.

Conor Howard, a young Scottish man has been detained for extradition in Greece and faces deportation to Qatar over an herb grinder found in his luggage while transiting through Doha last year. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International has been helping the family. Stirling is an Interpol and Extradition expert specialising in Interpol notices from the Middle East with over a decade's experience. Stirling says Qatar is one of the most prevalent abusers of Interpol's databases and that Western nations should not be making arrests on their behalf. The British government has been lobbied to intervene in this case which Kenny MacAskill emphasises, is not a legal matter but a diplomatic matter. #FreeConor #InterpolAbuse #RadhaStirling #KennyMacAskill #DetainedinDoha #Qatar #Greece #Scotland #BBC

BBC Scotland interviews Radha Stirling and Kenny MacAskill MP on the arrest of Conor Howard in Corfu, Greece on a Qatar issued Interpol Red Notice. Conor Howard, a young Scottish man has been detained for extradition in Greece and faces deportation to Qatar over an herb grinder found in his luggage while transiting through Doha last year. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International has been helping the family. Stirling is an Interpol and Extradition expert specialising in Interpol notices from the Middle East with over a decade's experience. Stirling says Qatar is one of the most prevalent abusers of Interpol's databases and that Western nations should not be making arrests on their behalf. The British government has been lobbied to intervene in this case which Kenny MacAskill emphasises, is not a legal matter but a diplomatic matter. #FreeConor

Veteran lawyer, Secretary for Justice and MP, Kenny MacAskill discusses Conor Howard's detention in Greece over a Qatar arrest warrant with Interpol & Extradition expert Radha Stirling on the Gulf in Justice Podcast Conor Howard, a young Scottish man has been detained for extradition in Greece and faces deportation to Qatar over an herb grinder found in his luggage while transiting through Doha last year. Qatari authorities released him at the time, but inexplicably issued an international arrest warrant against him.  He was detained last week in Greece while visiting his parents. Radha speaks with Conor's MP, Kenny MacAskill about the case and what is being done, not only to help Conor, but to ensure that British citizens will no longer be subjected to frivolous Interpol notices issued by abusive countries like Qatar. #ConorHoward #FreeConor

Czech court rules detention of dual British / Australian citizen Alan Stevenson was a violation of human rights; calling into question the legitimacy of Interpol’s Red Notice system due to widespread abuse by authoritarian regimes around the world. Stevenson was held due to claims of unpaid debt in Qatar, despite owing no money. Stirling vows to pursue all legal avenues for justice. Alan’s case is emblematic of what has been happening with ever greater frequency from the Gulf States. Interpol has been hijacked by authoritarian regimes around the world who abuse the Red Notice system to persecute political opponents, dissidents, independent journalists, and private individuals over financial disputes. Countries like Qatar and the UAE lead the world in wrongful Red Notice requests for the purpose of debt collection – something that violates Interpol’s own protocols. In Alan’s case, the claim of unpaid debt was entirely unevidenced, and Qatar did not substantiate the charge when Czech authorities requested proof. Law enforcement officials around the world comply with Red Notices because of their relationship with Interpol, not because of their relationships with the countries requesting the Notices; so, like in Alan’s case, people get detained very often without evidence, simply on the basis of a country’s respect for Interpol. When a Red Notice is subsequently deemed invalid, people whose lives have been turned upside down by detention and extradition procedures are just expected to shrug and move on. By challenging the legality of his detention, Alan is helping to change the state of play with the way countries deal with these Notices. The Constitutional Court of the Czech Republic has determined that his incarceration was a violation of his human rights as guaranteed by the UDHR, and they are correct. Interpol has allowed itself to be manipulated, exploited, and used as, essentially, an instrument of financial extortion, not to mention political repression; and this has to stop. Interpol is not vetting Red Notice requests from known abusers of the system, and innocent people are paying the price. Interpol accepted the bogus Red Notice request against Alan from Qatar, and so Czech officials are now guilty of human rights violations because they trusted Interpol. We have been leading the call for years for reform of Interpol’s protocols and for greater transparency. With Alan’s case, we intend to pursue every viable legal option to achieve not only justice and restitution for Alan Stevenson, but the enactment of fundamental changes in how Interpol deals with habitual abusers of the system and those authoritarian member governments with documented gross violations of human rights. Extradition to countries like the UAE, Qatar, Iran, China, Russia, and so on, should be unthinkable; their human rights records are abysmal and their legal systems are starkly below international standards of due process. Yet, they remain eligible for requesting Red Notices, even while in many cases, extradition will mean unjust detention, torture, and potentially death. The stakes are so high, but Interpol has no measures in place to vet requests. Alan’s case can be a watershed moment in this regard. If Interpol reforms, the residual impact could potentially incentivise countries to improve human rights conditions, due process standards, and governmental reforms around the world.

iPEX founder and CEO Radha Stirling specialises in the removal of Interpol Red Notices issued by abusive nations like Iran. Stirling has helped hundreds of Interpol abuse victims over the past decade and has campaigned for reforms to Interpol’s procedures and for sanctions against countries who continue to abuse the system, like Iran, the UAE, Qatar, Russia, China, Egypt and Turkey. Stirling is an expert witness on Interpol abuse in civil and extradition cases, and is part of a working group in DC lobbying for reforms and accountability for wrongful notices. Stirling commented on reports of Trump’s listing with Interpol: “Iran’s attempt to list the President of the United States and others involved in the drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani is a fantastic example of how susceptible the international organisation agency is to abuse by its member states. “The only thing Iran has achieved in this instance is showing up how Interpol is perhaps the only policing organisation that should be defunded by the US. The escalation of offensive actions against Americans by countries like China, Qatar, Saudi & the UAE is something that needs to be urgently put in check. Whether it is the planned murder of Americans, the abduction of citizens or the misuse of collaborative crime agency Interpol, the United States needs to end the escalation of aggression against its nationals and make agencies like Interpol accountable. “Iran treats Interpol like its own little politicised police force, to harass, threaten and cause the unfair detention of victims abroad.   Iranian beauty queen ​Bahareh Zare Bahari was detained in the Philippines on the basis of her support for opposition parties and though removed, neither Interpol nor Iran have their lesson. Interpol has zero checks and balances and their members know it. Interpol relies entirely on the member state to voluntarily abide by their charter and their lack of action against regular abusers, has raised allegations of corruption against the controversial agency. “When an Interpol victim challenges an abusive notice, Interpol will review the removal request and after nine months or more, finally remove the notice. They do not, however, sanction the country for repeat abuse which sends a very clear message to member states that Interpol is open for business and it’s a pay to play database. After the controversial arrest of Ms Bahari, Interpol might have considered suspending Iran’s membership but instead, they continue to accept frivolous, politically motivated red notices, leading to human rights violations and lengthy, wrongful detentions abroad. “Iran has issued notices against journalists, football players, businessmen, opposition supporters and now a head of state. In this case, they have succeeded at highlighting the urgent need for the reform of Interpol’s procedures and protocols in accepting notices from nations like Iran. “Interpol is funded by its member states and has little incentive to upset their donors, even if it means innocent victims are arrested or detained unfairly, for “crimes” such as journalism, credit card debts or for countries like Iran who seek to harass and cause individuals harm. “Interpol is already under review and pressure to reform its dangerously abusive procedures, and now they may face sanctions from the States.”