We know that Egypt has attempted to utilize its access to INTERPOL’s databases for political reasons against people who posed ideological threats to the current government, and more recently, to a political opponent of its current president. In accordance with its own constitution, INTERPOL has rightly refused to become involved in (or stay involved in)
Red Notices and Russia- Why the raid on Amnesty International’s offices matters
The offices of Amnesty International in Russia were recently raided as part of an “audit,” as reported in the New York Times by David Herszenhorn and Andrew Roth, here. Amnesty International is a leading non-governmental organization (NGOs) that provides in-depth and ongoing reports and information on the status of various human rights issues in…
How will a new Egypt treat its INTERPOL responsibilities? Now we know.
By Michelle Estlund on
Posted in Member Country Activity
The following post was originally published in March of 2011. What a disappointment to see how Egypt has come to view its INTERPOL-related obligations.
For those of us who are proponents of democracy, it has been mesmerizing to watch from afar the developments in Egypt recently. Like everyone, I wonder how the fledgling democracy will work…
Final Score in Egypt’s Attack on NGO’s: INTERPOL- 1, Political Oppression- 0
Today was a great day for transparency and political freedom. INTERPOL refused to allow the Red Notices as requested by Egypt against the non-governmental workers who are currently sought for prosecution in Egypt. In so doing, INTERPOL issued a press release that was heartening for two reasons:
- It confirmed its dedication to its constitution, which
…
The Luxury of Information: How We Know What We Know About International Politics, Crime, and Strife
By Michelle Estlund on
Chances are, if you’re reading this blog, you have an interest in international politics, crime, persecution, or all of the above. For the information you have accessed thus far in your life regarding such issues, you can likely thank an international journalist or an NGO employee or volunteer. In the last post, we discussed the…
What Lawyers Lose When NGO’s are Silenced
Who should be outraged by Egypt’s recent move to obtain Red Notices against NGO staff members? Out of basic concern for the human condition, all of us. More specifically, and more selfishly, those of us who rely on the activities and findings of international journalists and non-governmental organization (NGO) workers should be very concerned about…