Our last post detailed cases of member countries abusing or attempting to abuse INTERPOL to target specific journalists. Those cases are not at all unique; INTERPOL abuse by its member countries has been documented for years. Turkey and Brazil are not the only offenders. Egyptian officials have sought Red Notices against journalists repeatedly, as reported by the RNLJ; in at least some instances, INTERPOL was able to identify and reject the invalid requests.
Today’s post aims to discuss INTERPOL’s reform options moving forward.
For each case of INTERPOL abuse, more individuals will inevitably fear being targeted for operating with integrity. Although it will likely never be fully eradicated, the only way for INTERPOL to combat such abuse is by continuing to improve and implement reforms such as:
- Developing stricter criteria for issuing and reviewing Red Notices, ensuring they are not used for political or retaliatory purposes against journalists.
- Subjecting requests for Red Notices from historically abusive member countries to a higher degree of scrutiny;
- Forming a dedicated unit within the CCF to aid victims of abusive Red Notices, ensuring they receive tailored support and guidance to correct false and erroneous data;
- Collaborating with international media organizations and press freedom groups such as the Committee to Protect Journalists to aid in screening notice requests for journalists;
- Adopting more transparency and publish more information regarding Red Notices and how many are abusive.
- Administering publicized consequences such as limited access to INTERPOL’s databases to countries who knowingly abuse the system.
We have seen INTERPOL reforms create beneficial change in the past. Continually evolving efforts are necessary to ensure the Organization’s integrity and strength.
As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.
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