Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform (ECBA)

✍️ The European Criminal Bar Association has published a report entitled “Safeguarding INTERPOL’s Systems: Recommendations for Reform”, which William Julié and Camille Gosson co-authored with fellow INTERPOL practitioners Vânia Costa Ramos, Rebecca Niblock, Alex Tinsley, Jago Russell, and Sören Schomburg.

⚖️ This report was prepared with the active engagement of the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) and the Secretary General of INTERPOL. It reflects ongoing efforts to foster a constructive dialogue with defence lawyers representing clients before the Commission.

Drawing from their practical experience, the report sets out findings and recommendations addressing key operational and procedural challenges encountered in proceedings before INTERPOL. These include:
🔹⁠Limited access to sufficient and effective remedies for individuals subject to Red Notices
🔹The need to better identify and manage repeat or linked requests following prior CCF challenges
🔹Absence of a proper legal framework surrounding pre-emptive requests
🔹Insufficient consideration of extradition refusals by member states and of the ne bis in idem principle
🔹The absence of publicly disclosed criteria governing the publication of Red Notices on INTERPOL’s website

🔎 The report aims to serve as a practical tool for INTERPOL’s member states and officials by providing field-based insights into the daily challenges faced by defence practitioners, along with concrete proposals for reform. For colleagues handling cases before the CCF, it may also provide a useful basis for deeper strategic reflection.