Interpol: How Migrants Can Avoid the Risk of Extradition to Russia

Key Takeaways:

1. The risk of extradition via Interpol is high, particularly for politically persecuted individuals.
2. A preventive request to Interpol can help avoid wrongful inclusion in the wanted list.
3. Russia frequently misuses Interpol to pursue dissidents under the guise of criminal charges, especially economic ones.
4. Half of the cases in Interpol’s database show violations of due process, and a third involve evidence of torture.

Migration, often seen as a gateway to safety, can also bring new threats, from deportation to extradition through Interpol mechanisms. For Russian nationals accused of “discrediting the army” or other politically motivated charges, the risk of extradition remains a significant concern.

Organizations like Asylum Research & Global Assistance stress the importance of proactive measures. Submitting a preventive request to Interpol can block automatic inclusion in the wanted list, especially for cases with political motives disguised as criminal accusations. This is critical amid widespread abuses of international legal tools.

Abuses in the Interpol System

Countries like Russia frequently misuse Interpol to target dissidents. Data collected by international human rights advocates reveal alarming trends:

• 64% of cases have political motives.
• 50% involve procedural violations.
• 36% of requests include evidence of torture.

These figures highlight the need for greater oversight and reform within Interpol. While the organization has introduced filters for requests from high-risk countries, many politically motivated applications still go through.

What to Do if Extradition Threatens?

1. Prepare a Preventive Request to Interpol.
   This is a critical step to avoid inclusion in the wanted database. The request must be well-drafted, emphasizing evidence of political motives behind the charges.
2. Seek Legal Support.
   Lawyers and specialized organizations, such as Asylum Research & Global Assistance, offer assistance in preparing documents and defending individuals.
3. Engage International Organizations.
   Submitting evidence of persecution to human rights bodies can draw attention to abuses and strengthen the individual’s case.

My Analysis: Reforming Interpol Is Urgent

Interpol, as a tool for international justice, is undermined by political misuse. While filtering mechanisms have been introduced, abuses by authoritarian regimes continue to erode trust in the organization. Member countries must implement additional safeguards to protect individuals from politically motivated requests.

For migrants, timely information and legal support are vital. Each case represents not only a fight against extradition but also an opportunity to influence global approaches to human rights and justice.

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