INTERPOL, which ensures cooperation between countries in the field of combating international crimes, plays an active role in the process of apprehension and extradition by notifying member countries of individuals wanted through red notices. However, from time to time, individuals may be incorrectly or unfairly included in INTERPOL records due to legal errors, political reasons or old judicial decisions. In these cases, the issue of “removing an INTERPOL search in Turkey” is important from both a legal and human rights perspective. This article discusses in detail how INTERPOL records can be removed in Turkey, which procedures to follow and the legal basis of this process.
What is INTERPOL and what does a Red Notice mean?
INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) is an international security organization with 194 member countries, headquartered in Lyon, France. One of the most well-known activities of this organization is the notification of search warrants requested by countries to all member countries under the name of red bulletin. A red notice is not an official arrest warrant issued by INTERPOL, but an international request for the arrest and extradition of the person concerned .
Although INTERPOL’s red notice is not a direct criminal sentence , it can severely restrict a person’s freedom. Because of this record , individuals cannot travel abroad, cannot obtain visas, may be detained in another country or may be interrogated at airports while traveling. In order to eliminate such victimization , the process of ” removing the INTERPOL record ” comes to the agenda.
Under what circumstances is an INTERPOL Red Notice issued in Turkey?
In the Republic of Turkey, there are generally the following conditions for a person to be included in an INTERPOL red notice
- Final arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court
- Arrest warrant issued at the investigation stage at the request of the public prosecutor’s office
- The whereabouts of a suspect or defendant who is on the run or has absconded are unknown.
- Notification of persons whose extradition is requested under international treaties
These requests are forwarded to the INTERPOL Department of the General Directorate of Security in Ankara , the INTERPOL National Headquarters in Turkey, where they are evaluated and then notified to the INTERPOL General Secretariat. If INTERPOL accepts the application, the person is placed on the red notice list.
Circumstances in Which INTERPOL Searches May Be Unlawful in Turkey
Unlawful inclusion of INTERPOL records in the system is a common occurrence. The main reasons for the unjustified inclusion of individuals in the INTERPOL system in Turkey are as follows:
- The case has been dismissed or has become time-barred.
- Acquittal or dismissal of charges
- Political cases
- Records that are no longer current
- Based on grounds that constitute human rights violations
For example, the fact that the record of a person who has had an arrest warrant issued against him in the past but has been acquitted of the case over the years has not been deleted from the INTERPOL system can lead to serious victimization. It should therefore be carefully examined whether the record is unlawful.
INTERPOL Search Removal Process in Turkey
In order to remove the registration of a person wanted under an INTERPOL red notice in Turkey, various legal steps must be taken. This process involves both domestic legal remedies and international applications. In general, the steps to be followed are as follows:
First, the criminal court is asked to lift the arrest warrant , if any.
Acquittal, dismissal, or dismissal decisions are finalized.
An application is made to the Ministry of Justice, Directorate General for Foreign Relations and the European Union, requesting that the red notice be lifted.
A request for cancellation of registration is sent to the INTERPOL General Secretariat through the INTERPOL National Center (NCB Ankara).
Simultaneously , an individual application can be made to the INTERPOL Commission for Inspection (CCF).
In this process, the application file should be supported by official documents, court decisions and evidence of human rights violations , if any. Each application is independently assessed by INTERPOL.
Acquittal, dismissal, or dismissal decisions are finalized.
Individuals can apply to the INTERPOL Audit Commission to have their personal data in the INTERPOL system audited and , if necessary, deleted. In this process, lawyers in Turkey can represent the applicant and submit a comprehensive application file to the CCF.
During the application process:
- Application letter
- Court decisions and judicial documents
- Documents evidencing human rights violations, if any
- Inconveniences such as travel restrictions and loss of employment
must be submitted. The CCF receives the application, evaluates it and makes a decision in approximately 6 to 12 months. In case of a positive outcome of the application, the INTERPOL system is updated and the registration is deleted. All member states are notified.
Legal Assistance in the Removal of INTERPOL Records in Turkey
The process of removing an INTERPOL search warrant is technical, complex and involves international law. It is therefore important to act with the support of lawyers in Turkey who specialize in this field. A specialized lawyer can help with the following issues:
- Monitoring of relevant cases and obtaining reasoned decisions
- Conducting the application process to the Ministry of Justice
- Effective correspondence with the INTERPOL General Secretariat
- Preparation of a professional application file for the Audit Commission
Successful applications require a good command of both Turkish criminal law and international human rights law. Incorrect, incomplete or inadequate applications may cause the process to be prolonged or rejected.
What Happens After an INTERPOL Search Is Removed?
When a person is deregistered from the INTERPOL system , the following consequences occur:
- Freedom of international travel is restored.
- The risk of being detained at airports is eliminated.
- The problems encountered in visa applications will come to an end.
- The person’s social reputation improves significantly.
The removal of INTERPOL records is not only a technical process, but also a major achievement in terms of the protection of personal rights and freedoms. Therefore, the successful completion of the process creates very important changes in the life of the individual.
Common Situations Encountered in Turkey Regarding INTERPOL Searches
Common problems experienced by people in Turkey facing an INTERPOL search include the following:
- Detention upon departure from the country
- Deportation in foreign countries
- Rejection of applications for residence or settlement permits
- Problems obtaining a visa
These problems may persist until the registration is removed. Individuals should therefore take urgent action to have the INTERPOL registration removed and should engage a specialist legal professional.
Is it possible to delete INTERPOL records in Turkey?
Absolutely yes. In Turkey and under international law, individuals have the right to appeal against inaccurate, unfair or unlawful INTERPOL records. Records can be expunged and both domestic remedies and international review mechanisms are available.
It isimportant that each application is justified, documented and legally based. With the support of specialized law firms in Turkey , this process can be managed professionally. INTERPOL records are not just data; they are also directly linked to a person’s freedoms, right to travel and reputation. Removing records therefore means restoring individuals’ fundamental rights.
