Interpol & abuse: political targets, activists, dealt Red Notices

[wfgodot]

Interesting and multi-faceted CNN article reports a disturbing trend:

Are some countries abusing Interpol?

(CNN) -- If taunting were a crime, Shahram Homayoun would certainly have to plead guilty.

After fleeing Iran in 1992 and moving to Los Angeles, Homayoun started a satellite television station, Channel One, to beam a message of civil resistance into the homes of Iranians.

Over the years, his audience has scribbled his slogan, Ma Hastim ("We exist" in Farsi) on Iranian walls and bridges to promote democracy in the country.
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Yes, Homayoun is definitely a troublemaker.

"Apparently, the Interpol thinks so, too," he said in a recent interview.

At the request of Iran, which charged Homayoun with inciting terrorism, Interpol issued a Red Notice in December 2009 requesting Homayoun's arrest.
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(much, much more at CNN link above)

Among the countries abusing Interpol's powers: Pakistan; China; Iran; Venezuela; Russia; Sri Lanka; Tunisia; Bahrain.

 

[badhorsie]

So, someone who has settled in USA can be arrested and taken back to their own country for expressing their political beliefs in a non violent manner?

Was Interpol involved in Julian Assange's arrest and extradition procedures?

 

[wfgodot]

So, someone who has settled in USA can be arrested and taken back to their own country for expressing their political beliefs in a non violent manner?

Was Interpol involved in Julian Assange's arrest and extradition procedures?

Yeppers.

Interpol Issues ‘Red Notice’ for Arrest of WikiLeaks’ Julian Assange (Wired)

Interpol appears to be operating as a police force for the status quo internationally.

Devoting their time to that facet of affairs certainly lessens the time they spend tracking those who disappear, or are disappeared, over national borders.