International Opposition Against UAE Interpol Nominee Amplifies

A hub of extensive human rights abuses and illegal activities, the United Arab Emirates has long been exempting the consequences because of the wealth and influence. However, majorly it is the United States’ alliance that has kept the UAE apart from other offensive nations. A sign of the rising Emirati influence is the upcoming Interpol presidency elections, in which the UAE is one of only two countries bidding for the post.

A neutral platform, Interpol is a supranational police force assisting its member states with investigational support. However, the Interpol’s neutrality is at risk, as a human rights violator in the UAE is nominated to become the organization’s president. Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the name has been in the media recently, not just for the presidency bid but also for the criticism around it.

Since the reports of Al-Raisi’s nomination, the Emirati general has emerged as an “international pariah”, who is being denounced for his role in unlawful arrest and torture of a British academic, Matthew Hedges; an Emirati political opponent, Ahmed Mansoor; and Ali Issa Ahmad, who wore a Qatari jersey for a soccer match in the UAE.

In counter to the rising opposition against Naser Al-Raisi’s nomination, the Emirates initiated a strategy and organized his trips to the Interpol member countries to gain support. However, the plans, which the UAE thought could help Al-Raisi win, faced several bumps. In November 2021, German MPs rejected Al-Raisi as the Interpol head.

The German MPs signed a petition expressing “deep concern” regarding the Emirati nomination and called for other member states to “frankly stand up against” it. They also stated that electing Al-Raisi “would put the reputation to the international organization in danger”.

While Germany expressed clear defiance, other member states, including Sweden and Norway, were called on to follow the route. Lawyer of Matthew Hedges and Ali Ahmad, Rodney Dixon QC urged the two countries to arrest Al-Raisi upon his arrival, which could potentially occur as part of his campaign to gain support for his candidacy.

Both Sweden and Norway apply a principle called ‘universal jurisdiction”, under which investigations of crimes could be opened irrespective of the perpetrator's nationality or where the crime was committed. Therefore, the Norwegian and Swedish authorities could possibly arrest Al-Raisi, if he pays a visit and if an investigation is opened in the two countries.

There have been lawsuits against the UAE candidate in the UK and France, as well. Moreover, another lawsuit is expected to be filed by both Hedges and Ahmad in Turkey, where the Interpol general assembly will take place and the next Interpol president will be elected. However, ever putting efforts to control and turn things in its favour, the UAE is leaving no opportunity to win the bid.

Just a day before the Interpol presidency elections, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed will be visiting Turkey after years of strained relations. Another aspect that swirls the bottle in favour of the Emirates is the country’s fund donations to Interpol’s sister foundations. It would be interesting to see if the results will weigh more towards the monetary influence or towards the extensive objections to Naser Al-Raisi’s nomination.