BLUE CORNER NOTICE
1. Context
The International Criminal Police Organization, more commonly known as Interpol, comprising 194 member countries, plays a crucial role as an information-sharing network to enable national police forces to combat transnational crimes. Concerns have been raised about the misuse of Interpol’s notice system, especially the issuance of blue corner notices, which are less scrutinised than their red corner notices. Critics argue that countries often exploit existing protocols to target political refugees and dissidents. While efforts have been made to address this, questions remain about striking a balance between facilitating police cooperation and preventing misuse of this powerful tool
2.What is a “blue corner” notice?
Interpol releases seven distinct types of notices, including the Red Notice, Yellow Notice, Blue Notice, Black Notice, Green Notice, Orange Notice, and Purple Notice.
A Blue Corner Notice, also recognized as an "enquiry notice," enables law enforcement agencies in member states to exchange crucial crime-related details. This includes accessing an individual's criminal record, determining their location, and verifying their identity, among other relevant information. For example, in January 2020, Interpol issued a Blue Corner Notice to aid in locating the fugitive self-styled godman Nithyananda
3.How does it differ from a “red corner” notice?
- A member state can issue a red corner notice to apprehend a sought-after criminal, either through extradition or other lawful means.
- These notices are directed at individuals wanted by their respective national jurisdictions for either facing prosecution or serving a sentence, as indicated by an arrest warrant or court decision.
- It's important to note that the requesting country need not be the fugitive's home country; Interpol operates based on requests from countries where the alleged crime occurred.
- Unlike blue corner notices, which precede the filing of criminal charges, red corner notices typically follow criminal convictions.
- The person in question can be detained and arrested while traveling through a member state, and there may be additional adverse consequences such as the freezing of bank accounts.
- However, it's crucial to understand that Interpol lacks the authority to compel law enforcement in any country to arrest the subject of a red corner notice, as the exercise of such powers is entirely discretionary.
- In 2018, a red corner notice was issued against the elusive billionaire Nirav Modi in connection with the Punjab National Bank scam.
- However, in October 2022, Interpol declined a second request from India to issue such a notice for Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, identified by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as a "terrorist."
- The agency cited insufficient information from India and highlighted the "clear political dimension" of Pannun's activities as reasons for the rejection
4.Challenges
- While Interpol's Constitution explicitly prohibits engaging in activities of a political nature, critics argue that the organization has been lax in enforcing this prohibition.
- A significant portion of this criticism is directed at Russia, which has frequently issued notices and alerts for the arrest of individuals opposing the Kremlin. According to Freedom House, a U.S. rights organization, Russia is accountable for 38% of all publicly disclosed red notices.
- Various international human rights organizations, including those from China, Iran, Turkey, and Tunisia, have faced allegations of exploiting Interpol's notice system to serve authoritarian agendas.
- Responding to the growing censure, Interpol has strengthened oversight of its red notice system. However, concerns persist, especially regarding the issuance of blue notices, with experts noting that these notices are less likely to undergo thorough review before being made public. Interpol's data reveals a nearly twofold increase in the number of blue notices over the last decade.
- Countries like Turkey contend that exercising restraint in issuing notices hinders police cooperation and argue that external interference, particularly from the West, should not impede their internal affairs
Source: The Hindu
