INTERPOL is dedicated to providing global cooperation between the law enforcement agencies for all of its member countries.  Obviously, the primary goal of an organization such as INTERPOL is enforcement of the laws of its respective countries.  But what happens when one country’s rule of law is completely out-of-step with that of other member countries?  How does international law enforcement work then?

In the case of religious law violations, it doesn’t.  INTERPOL’s member countries include many with strict, religious-based codes, that provide for severe penalties for religious transgressions.  When a person accused of violating those laws absconds, the member country may request INTERPOL’s assistance in apprehending the person.  According to INTERPOL’s constitution, INTERPOL should refuse that request.

Article 3 of INTERPOL’s constitution is most often cited for its prohibition on any involvement with matters that are primarily political in nature.  However, religiously motivated charges are also prohibited:

“It is strictly forbidden for the Organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, or religious or racial character.”

Article, 3, constitution of INTERPOL.

When member countries utilizes INTERPOL’s I-Link system, which allows for Red Notices to be entered into INTERPOL’s databases without quality checks being made prior to entry, it is possible that inappropriate Red Notices may be issues.  This possibility certainly exists for crimes based on religious violations as well as politically motivated criminal charges.  

If a person is the subject of an improperly issued Red Notice due to its being religiously based, it is important for that fact to be brought to INTERPOL’s attention in a challenge to the Red Notice.  Violations of INTERPOL’s constitution provide for valid grounds for the Notice to be destroyed.

As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.