Ending Interpol Abuse: How the Democratic World Can Fight Transnational Repression
Interpol has been manipulated by its autocratic members into an instrument of transnational repression, and a recent report by Freedom House emphasizes and details the reality of this abuse.
Ben Keith speaks at The Heritage Foundation on 18 May 2021
PANEL EVENT
18 MAY 2021 — 11:00AM TO 11:45AM
ONLINE
From assassinations to spyware to the intimidation of family members, autocracies use the means of transnational repression to silence exiles and opponents around the world. Unfortunately, one tool used by abusive regimes to harass citizens abroad is Interpol itself.
Interpol, the international organization of police agencies, plays an important role in promoting cooperation against genuine crime. However, it has also been manipulated by its autocratic members into an instrument of transnational repression, and a recent report by Freedom House emphasizes and details the reality of this abuse.
A 2019 Congressional hearing with the U.S. Helsinki Commission led to the introduction of the TRAP Act, which would reform U.S. policy towards Interpol, in both the House and Senate. This legislation would be a critical tool against abuse of the system, but more needs to be done.
Join a panel chaired by Dr. Ted R. Bromund, an authority on Interpol, as leading voices on Interpol abuse set out the problem and what the democratic world must to do to end it.
Participants
The Honorable Roger Wicker, United States Senator (R-MS) and Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (The U.S. Helsinki Commission)
Michelle Estlund, Founder and Principal Attorney, Estlund Law, P.A. and Founder, Red Notice Law Journal
Ben Keith, Barrister, 5 St. Andrew’s Hill
Paul Massaro, Policy Adviser, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (The U.S. Helsinki Commission)
Nate Schenkkan, Director of Research Strategy, Freedom House
Hosted by
Ted R. Bromund Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow in Anglo-American Relations
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