Service:
A client sought legal assistance after facing repeated detentions at international airports due to an active INTERPOL Red Notice issued by Turkmenistan in 2006. Each time the client attempted to travel, they were stopped by airport authorities for additional screening. However, when officials requested case documentation from Turkmenistan, the process would stall, and no further action would be taken. Despite never facing formal charges, the client continued to endure distressing travel restrictions and sought legal intervention to resolve the matter.
Legal Challenges:
The key legal challenge in this case was the prolonged inaction of Turkmenistan in providing case documentation while maintaining the Red Notice. INTERPOL’s regulations require that Red Notices be based on active and valid legal proceedings. If a country fails to provide necessary case details, the legitimacy of the notice can be challenged.
The legal team gathered all available travel records, past detainment reports, and evidence of Turkmenistan’s non-compliance in producing case documents. A formal request was submitted to INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF), arguing that the Red Notice was being used improperly and that the lack of procedural follow-through rendered it invalid. Additionally, reference was made to cases of individuals being arrested at the airport due to outdated or improperly maintained Red Notices.
The Commission’s Decision
After reviewing the evidence and the lack of cooperation from Turkmenistan, the CCF ruled in favor of the client. The Commission determined that the Red Notice no longer met INTERPOL’s legal standards and should be removed. As a result, the client was no longer subject to detentions at airports and regained the freedom to travel internationally without restrictions.