Yesterday, numerous media outlets reported that INTERPOL had suspended its involvement with member country Iraq. Those reports were made here, here and here. The purported basis for the suspension was a lack of neutrality and independence of the judiciary. The reports also indicated that INTERPOL would continue its relationship with certain portions of the country, which would be unusual given that INTERPOL utilizes only one National Central Bureau (NCB) for each of its member countries.
In fact, according to INTERPOL, no such activity has occurred.
Any cessation of a relationship with one of its member countries would be extraordinary for INTERPOL, particularly given that INTERPOL has a protocol in place for "disciplining" member countries that run afoul of its governing rules. Red Notice Law Journal contacted INTERPOL yesterday in an effort to verify the reports. In a very timely response, INTERPOL's press office indicated that the reports were, in fact, untrue, and that the organization will seek a correction of the reports immediately.
The question remains open, then, as to whether the information reported had more to do with internal law enforcement agency disputes within Iraq, and less to do with INTERPOL itself. Further information will be reported as it becomes available.
