I have filed a preventive request together with my colleague Ben Keith on behalf of a Turkish lawyer living in exile, who faces the same risk of a politically motivated Red Notice as outlined in a recent investigation.

Since the 2016 coup attempt, Turkey has carried out a relentless crackdown on the legal profession: over 1,700 lawyers detained, more than 700 arrested, and at least 553 convicted—mostly on terrorism charges rooted in political motives. Hundreds now live in exile.

A classified memo—identical to the one discussed in a recent Nordic Monitor article—was also included in our client’s case file. It reveals how Turkish authorities are deliberately disguising the political nature of charges to circumvent INTERPOL’s screening safeguards. The memo encourages authorities to repackage political persecution as ordinary crimes—such as “data breaches” or “financial offenses”—to increase the chances of a Red Notice being issued.

This case is a stark reminder of how international legal tools are being exploited for transnational repression. Vigilance and accountability are essential to uphold the integrity of global justice systems.

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Ben Keith is a leading barrister specializing in cross-border and international cases. Ben is a leading authority on the removal of INTERPOL Red Notices for worldwide clients, he edits the Red Notice Monitor blog. Dealing with politically motivated allegations and the use of transnational repression by foreign governments. https://www.5sah.co.uk/barristers/ben-keith

Ali Yildiz also specializes cross-border and international cases. He has deep knowledge and expertise in Interpol cases including preventive requests, removal of data from Interpol’s Informations Systems. Ali Yildiz is among founding members of Lawyers Against Transnational Repression.