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It has recently come to light that Interpol has begun to receive funding from major corporations. Industries from tobacco to pharmaceuticals have made agreements with the international police organisation over the past 5 years, boosting Interpol's budget, but calling into question the nature of these agreements, and indeed, the integrity of Interpol itself; particularly in regards to cases of financial crimes, corruption, intellectual property infringement, and the like. We have seen a marked increase in the use of Interpol as a mechanism for pursuing private matters between lenders and allegedly defaulting clients, as well as cases involving patent and trademark disputes. When Interpol is receiving corporate funding, and when the nature of the deals between Interpol and its corporate sponsors are not transparent, what is the guarantee that such matters will be handled impartially? Interpol's deals with big business have inflated its budget by one-third, an amount that constitutes practical dependency on corporate donations; a serious concern for what is supposed to be an independent, unbiased international policing organisation. It was revealed last year that Interpol reached a €20 million deal with FIFA, just as the international football organisation came under fire for endemic corruption. Interpol did not participate in the investigations, and had to subsequently annul the agreement with FIFA due to concerns about conflict of interest. Less attention has been paid to Interpol's other deals with corporate powerhouses like Phillip Morris International and Sanofi; but the concern is that their dependence on such donors undermines Interpol's credibility on many levels. Will Interpol be as diligent in dealing with alleged crimes committed by its corporate sponsors? When law enforcement agencies bypassed Interpol in their investigations into corruption at FIFA, was it because they did not trust Interpol's impartiality? Are corporations purchasing immunity from Interpol? Even if it is an overstatement to say that Interpol's private sector funding scheme amounts to selling police protection at the international level, the mere perception that this may be the case, is deeply damaging to Interpol's reputation, and thus, to its actual effectiveness.

Private funding of Interpol: another slam to credibility

It has recently come to light that Interpol has begun to receive funding from major corporations. Industries from tobacco to...

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A Swedish male model and TV personality who was sentenced to 10 years in jail in Dubai for possessing cocaine has arrived home in Sweden after being pardoned by authorities. Farzan Athari, a 31-year-old Swedish-Iranian, was originally sentenced to life in jail after he was arrested outside his home in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa on May 14, 2013 and found in possession of 21 grams of cocaine in 11 plastic pouches. His sentence was reduced to 10 years upon appeal, after he claimed the illegal drug was for personal use and was not for resale purposes. Last year, he launched an online campaign calling for his release and has issued a song entitled ‘Save My Life’. Recorded while in prison in Dubai, the video received nearly 95,000 views on Youtube and was featured in news articles around the world. Earlier this month, prosecutors issued a special pardon and Athari was released from prison. He arrived home to Sweden at the weekend amidst a blaze of publicity. In a message on his official Instagram page he said: “I would like to officially thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and [Chief Prosecutor] Mr Sami Al Shamsi for giving me a second chance at life. I would also thank all the Swedish Press for capturing one of the most beautiful moments of my life. It’s an amazing feeling to be back home in Sweden.” In a statement, Radha Stirling, founder of the UK-based organisation Detained in Dubai and who helped campaign for Athari’s release, said: “We are thankful for the release of Farzan Athari. His request for a pardon was granted speedily and I am certain that he is grateful. His release required an international co-ordinated effort, including a song production that attracted almost 100,000 views on YouTube. We are often asked whether a person's financial status plays a role in their ability to be released, pardoned or have their case reviewed. In our experience and in the majority of cases, we have noted that it helps to have the support of the public and the financial backing to hire companies or individuals to support a release campaign. In Farzan's case, he was already a public figure and was able to engage support internationally and we expect that this played a role in his release. While this is obviously beneficial, we hope that people who are in less fortunate situations, can be supported to seek pardons and case reviews.” Born in Tehran, Athari became a successful male model, appearing in magazines and campaigns such as Men’s Health, Diesel, Nivea Cream, Smirnoff, Nokia and GQ. He also famously starred in a music video by Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe. http://www.arabianbusiness.com/swedish-male-model-jailed-for-drugs-in-dubai-is-pardoned-615355.html

Arabian Business Reports: Swedish male model jailed for drugs in Dubai is pardoned

A Swedish male model and TV personality who was sentenced to 10 years in jail in Dubai for possessing cocaine has arrived home in Sweden...

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This afternoon, the Westminster Magistrates Court ruled against the UAE's Application to Extradite Michael Halliday who had been accused in the UAE of breach of trust; which they argued in Court was the equivalent in the UK of Theft and Fraud. Jonathan Black of BSB Solicitors instructed Ben Cooper of Doughty Street Chambers to represent Mr Halliday as defence counsel. The defence submitted that if Halliday were to be extradited to the UAE, he would be at risk of torture and inhumane and degrading treatment by authorities of the UAE, particularly as a homosexual male. While the presiding Judge was satisfed that there was a Prima Facie case (a case to answer), he needed to consider under Article 3, whether Halliday may be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The burden of proof rests upon the defence to prove that such breaches are a realistic prospect and are not merely "fanciful" ideas. The presiding Judge, Jeremy Coleman, ruled his concern that while there have been slow advances in the UAE, "there is still no real culture of human rights" and expressed concern that the UAE has remained very closed to external or independent review. Justice Coleman expressed disappointment that the UAE government had not presented any expert testimony to attempt to pursuade the Court that Halliday's rights would not be breached. Coleman found the Defence's testimony persuausive and ruled that he could not be sure that Halliday's rights would not be breached and thus discharged Michael Halliday. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai said in a staement "The UK Magistrates Court just passed Judgment that they will not extradite British National Michael Halliday to the UAE. We assisted Michael's legal team by providing expert testimony covering the possible human rights violations that Michael may have been subjected to in the event of his extradition. We are pleased and grateful that the Court agreed. Extradition requests from the UAE appear to have increased this year across Europe and we have been contacted by individuals who have been arrested in the UK, Spain & Italy and countless others who have been listed on Interpol for the purpose of extradition proceedings. We are pleased that the UK has safeguard provisions in their Treaty to protect individuals from extradition in the event that their human rights may be violated." We are thankful to all of those who assisted in Halliday's defence, particularly those who provided direct testimony in respect of their personal experiences in the UAE.

Press Release: UK Courts Rule Today Against UAE's Application to Extradite Michael Halliday

This afternoon, the Westminster Magistrates Court ruled against the UAE's Application to Extradite Michael Halliday who had been accused...

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Emirates NBD, Dubai's largest bank, is one of a number of local UAE lenders who have hired British and American debt collection agencies to chase expatriate defaulters who have absconded back to their home countries without settling their loan repayments. “In response to a growing number of fleeing debtors, banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB [Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank] and others have been increasing their recovery efforts by employing international debt collectors and enforcers,” Radha Stirling, a legal consultant specialising in the Middle East and founder of the London-based charity Detained in Dubai, told Arabian Business. Stirling claimed that some of the third party agencies had begun using “intimidation and harassment” in order to recover the funds outstanding, including threats to issue Interpol notices against debtors, as well as harassment and threats of harm. She advised expat debtors being targeted in the UK and US to do background checks on whether the collection agencies are authorised to use such tactics to recover debts and whether they are authorised to work on behalf of the banks they claim to be representing. “Any third party claiming to represent a bank, should insist upon receiving confirmation of representation before entertaining any communication,” Stirling said. “In our experience, most debtors have acted in good faith and genuinely seek to reach a manageable resolution. Threats simply cause undue stress and do not change the situation and the debtor's ability to pay.” While Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank declined to comment, an Emirates NBD official spokesperson issued the following statement to Arabian Business: “We would like to confirm that, like other banks, Emirates NBD works with debt collection agencies, within the legal rules and regulations of the jurisdiction where the bank uses these agencies”. Debtors absconding is an unavoidable reality for all banks, not just those in the UAE, but in November a senior banking official said lenders in the emirate are working together to try to stem the number of small business owners fleeing the country with unpaid debt, a trend which had allegedly reached around AED5 billion ($1.4 billion) by that point. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have come under pressure amid a gradual drying up of liquidity in the banking system due to the weak oil price and slowing economic growth. As a result, some business people have chosen to "skip" the country, leaving behind unpaid debt, a situation that bankers say has grown significantly from previous years. "We want to take coordinated action on risk management," UAE Banks Federation chairman Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair said. "The idea is to allow the customer to pay for his debt and stay in town if they have a good intention. If they don't have a good intention, then it is no good (the bank) spending time (with them), it doesn't help." Current bankruptcy rules are considered by lawyers to be outdated and largely untested, with few struggling companies using the legislation. The cabinet approved a draft law in July 2015 but it still needs the support of the Federal National Council, the country's legislative body, and the president. Al Mansouri also said the UAE would set up a credit guarantee scheme to help reduce the risk of default for potential lenders. He didn't elaborate on the specific details of the plan. http://www.arabianbusiness.com/emirates-nbd-hires-debt-collectors-chase-expat-defaulters-in-us-uk-617488.html

Emirates NBD hires debt collectors to chase expat defaulters in the US, UK

Emirates NBD, Dubai's largest bank, is one of a number of local UAE lenders who have hired British and American debt collection agencies...

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CBS News (USA) (AP): American man, 70, arrested in United Arab Emirates over photo: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/robert-black-american-man-70-arrested-in-united-arab-emirates-over-photo/ Daily Mail (UK): American grandfather, 70, faces five years in jail in Arab Emirates for taking picture of 'no photography' sign - and was held in secret for a week by police in jail where diabetic's health is 'at risk' http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2820753/American-grandfather-70-faces-five-years-jail-Arab-Emirates-taking-picture-no-photography-sign-held-secret-week-police-jail-diabetic-s-health-risk.html Radha Stirling, Founder of Detained in Dubai: “We understand that Robert Black, architect-creative thinker, a 70-year-old American, has been arrested for taking a photograph of a “No photography” sign in Abu Dhabi, UAE, or comparable, while attending a conference. We also understand that he is currently being held at the notorious Al-Wathba prison. While we do not yet have full details on the case, we call for his immediate release.” “In this prison context especially, we are very concerned about Mr. Black’s health and safety. The prison is known for severe overcrowding in prison cells, and even human right violations, lashings and torture. People should be reminded that the UAE is a country in the Arabian Gulf bordering Saudi Arabia, it has a dictatorship not a democracy, and foreign visitors face a full range of unfamiliar threats.” “We call upon the UAE government to take into account Mr. Black’s age and cultural background regarding his photography. The UAE has positioned itself as an international convention, tourist, and cultural destination— with a strong emphasis on promotion of all kinds to the West at a scale that is unprecedented. At detainedindubai, after advising on many similar cases, it is clear to us that the UAE is a country with very, very different laws. However, as appears in Mr Black’s case, travelers like him are completely unaware of these laws, sometimes making the UAE a dangerous sandtrap for visiting Westerners.” National governments need to properly warn their citizens “We call on national governments to immediately initiate a communications campaign to properly warn their citizens of the unusual and unexpected risks of stopping over, vacationing, doing business, investing, etc. in the UAE until the country modernizes its laws. At the same time, we call on the UAE government to issue “Do’s and don’ts” cards on flights to the UAE, now including details about photography laws in the country, associated fines, expected detention and jail terms. This would parallel the country’s full-on initiatives to attract foreign visitors, vacationers, employees, etc. Until the UAE modernizes its laws, we very strongly advise all foreign nationals to avoid travel to and through the UAE, because the risks are simply not worth it.”

Detained in Dubai Calls for Immediate Release of Robert Black

CBS News (USA) (AP): American man, 70, arrested in United Arab Emirates over photo: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/robert-black-american-man...

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ABU DHABI // Friends, family and supporters of a 70-year-old American who was arrested last month for allegedly taking photos of a restricted area, have raised almost Dh45,000 for his legal fees. On Wednesday, a crowd-funding campaign was launched for Dr Robert Black with the money going to his legal representatives. “Alan’s family, friends and creativity organisations raised and wired Dh44,000 for cash available for legal representation,” said his friend, Rosemary Rein. “We have just signed a contract for legal representation to represent him and will provide more information once the attorney has the opportunity to speak with him.” Dr Black’s daughter, Jessica, had borrowed against her house to help to pay the legal retainer, which she was told would be between Dh36,700 and Dh147,000. Ms Rein said the family was told by the US embassy that the case had been referred to State Security Services. “We will soon launch a more expanded and accessible site where community members can contribute to any continued legal expenses if needed,” she said. “We continue to offer our apology to the UAE for any infraction caused by Alan’s enthusiasm for capturing his daily walks with his camera.” Ms Rein said Dr Black was able to speak to his son, Scott, and was glad to hear of the global support from the Creative Thinkers, the annual conference in Abu Dhabi in which he took part before his October 21 arrest. “Alan now has a phone card to call his family,” she said. “We have no details or confirmation on what he may have photographed, which has resulted in his detainment. “We only know of his interest in buildings, architecture and documenting his daily walks.” Jessica asked the embassy to deliver notes to her father and drawings from his grandchildren. “We are hoping this provides Alan with much-needed comfort and emotional support,” Ms Rein said. “Scott reports that his dad appeared in good spirits at finally being able to talk to his son and learn of the overwhelming love by so many around the world.” Theresa Daum, a teacher at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi, said she planned to visit Dr Black at Al Wathba prison. “I’m waiting for approval,” Ms Daum said. “But I’ve submitted my name, a short questionnaire and heard back that they’re going to approve it. “So as soon as they do, I’m going to go down there and if I’m not allowed then my husband will.” Mrs Daum, from the US, said she felt a connection to Dr Black. “I have a mutual friend with his daughter,” she said. “I know he is a legitimate, innocent man who just wasn’t aware of the rules and I feel like maybe he’s fallen through the cracks because he’s here alone and has no attorney.” Mrs Daum said Dr Black’s age and his diabetes were of concern. "His family is very worried,” she said. “He must have felt very lonely and although he seems like a strong, well-travelled individual, I doubt [he’s visited] jail where it can be depressing, especially in a foreign country. “I’m pretty upset that this has happened because there were no posted signs as far as I knew. I’m worried he’s going to be here for a while and his health could be undermined.” Radha Stirling, founder of British group Detained in Dubai, also expressed concern. “We call on the UAE Government to take into account Dr Black’s age and cultural background regarding his photography,” she said. http://www.thenational.ae/uae/friends-and-family-rally-around-american-arrested-for-taking-photos-in-abu-dhabi 11alive reported: "Sometimes you can remain in prison for over a year without even being charged," said Radha Stirling, with the organization "DetainedInDubai.org." The organization documents and monitors and intervenes in cases in the UAE of Westerners such as Alan Black being imprisoned indefinitely for inadvertently breaking the UAE's strict laws against activities that are accepted and common-place in Western cultures. "People, for example, holding hands -- but if you hold hands with your boyfriends or your husbands, you could be the person who's arrested and detained, and go through a lengthy prison sentence." http://www.11alive.com/story/news/local/athens/2014/11/06/photograph-jailed-prison-uae-uae-black/18577145/

Athens man, imprisoned in UAE for taking photo, will be freed

ABU DHABI // Friends, family and supporters of a 70-year-old American who was arrested last month for allegedly taking photos of a...

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