This is the third in a series of posts by guest author Lisa Ould Aklouche*

A reader recently posed the following question:

“Is it a prerequisite for a Red notice that the notice pertains to a criminal offense in the issuing country?”

The simple answer is yes.

What is more,  in general, Red Notices may be published only if the offense concerned is a serious ordinary-law crime.

In addition, if the person is sought for prosecution, the conduct constituting the offense must generally be punishable by at least two years of imprisonment or a more serious penalty. If the person is sought to serve a sentence that has already been imposed, he or she must be sentenced to at least six months of imprisonment and/or there is at least six months of the sentence remaining to be served.

The only exception to these conditions is if the General Secretariat decides to publish a requested Red notice because it considers that it would be of particular importance to international police cooperation.

As always, questions and comments are welcomed.

** Ms. Ould-Aklouche holds a master’s degree in French law. She can be reached at lisa.ould.aklouche@gmail.com.