RT.com
25 Nov 2021, 16:47 GMT+10
Emirati General Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi has been elected as Interpol's president despite allegations of ?torture? levelled against him and concerns from human rights groups that he's been involved in targeting ?peaceful critics.?
The appointment was announced by Interpol on its Twitter account Thursday morning, with Al-Raisi taking on the largely ceremonial role for a four-year term.
His election to the position came against a backdrop of criticism, including from human rights groups and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), over his alleged previous actions and the impact his appointment could have on Interpol.
In recent months, complaints have been filed in France and Turkey accusing Al-Raisi of "acts of inhumanity and torture." Two British men filed a lawsuit accusing him of being involved in their arrests and alleged physical abuse.
Given that Interpol's headquarters is in Lyon, France it's been suggested by their lawyer that the lawsuit could prevent him from carrying out his duties as Interpol president because he could be "arrested and investigated for torture" if he "sets foot on French territory."
In October 2020, multiple non-governmental organizations criticized any consideration of Al-Raisi for the role, alleging he has been "part of a security apparatus that continues to systematically target peaceful critics."
Echoing the concerns floated by human rights groups, three MEPs wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier in November to object to Al Raisi's potential appointment.
"The election of General Al Raisi would undermine the mission and reputation of Interpol and severely affect the ability of the organisation to carry out its mission effectively," the trio wrote.
The UAE has previously rejected the allegations made against Al-Raisi, with the London embassy issuing a statement to defend him as a "distinguished professional with a 40-year track record in community and national policing."
Dismissing any suggestion Al-Raisi would seek to alter Interpol's mission, the UAE added that "he will remain committed to protecting people, making communities safer and providing global law enforcement the latest tools in the fight against sophisticated criminal networks."
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Asia Pacific Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Asia Pacific Star.
More InformationDHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, celebrated by thousands of followers in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala,...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump says the United States could soon reach a trade deal with India. He believes this deal would...
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): In a landmark moment for Indian pickleball, Vanshik Kapadia, representing the All India Pickleball...
Taipei [Taiwan], July 9 (ANI): In June, Taiwan's exports reached a new monthly high of USD 53.32 billion, marking the 20th consecutive...
The delay adds yet another twist to Trump's original 90 deals in 90 days promise -- so far yielding only two vague trade agreements...
OTTAWA, Canada: With Canada Post struggling to maintain operations amid labour unrest, rivals like FedEx and UPS are stepping in to...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. and global markets showed a mixed performance in Tuesday's trading session, with some indices edging higher...
PARIS, France: French military and intelligence officials have accused China of orchestrating a covert campaign to damage the reputation...
NEW DELHI, India: Birkenstock is stepping up its efforts to protect its iconic sandals in India, as local legal representatives conducted...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
NEW YORK, New York - Monday's trading session saw mixed performances across U.S. and global markets, with several major indices posting...