French Judge Hears Claims Of Torture Overseen By UAE’s Interpol Chief

Two British citizens have given evidence to an investigating magistrate in France who is looking into allegations of torture against the president of Interpol, Major General Naser Ahmed Al-Raisi.

Matthew Hedges and Ali Issa Ahmed gave evidence to the specialized unit for crimes against humanity and war crimes of the Paris Tribunal on May 11.

Both men say they were falsely arrested, arbitrarily detained and tortured in the UAE – Hedges in 2018 and Ahmed the following year. During this period, Al-Raisi was the country’s inspector general and the two men say he was therefore ultimately responsible for their ill treatment. They say none of it would have happened without Al-Raisi’s knowledge and involvement.

Lawyers working for the two men submitted a complaint to the Paris prosecutor against Al-Raisi in October 2021 under the principal of universal jurisdiction. Under this doctrine, the authorities in one country can investigate and prosecute certain breaches of international law, such as torture, even if they are alleged to have happened in another jurisdiction.

This was followed in January 2022 by a criminal complaint to the Paris Tribunal’s specialized unit. Following that, the tribunal decided to open an investigation into Al-Raisi.

Hedges and Ahmed have also filed four joint criminal complaints against Al-Raisi in other jurisdictions, including Norway, Sweden, and Turkey, and both have filed separate civil complaints against him and other named UAE officials in the UK.

Speaking after giving evidence, Ahmad said, “It is good that this day has finally come. I have been fighting for justice for what happened to me since the moment I was finally released. It has taken three years but I finally feel like we might actually achieve a positive result.”

Hedges said, “Pursuing justice for myself and other victims who are unable to do so is what drives me to endure the stress and pressure of these legal proceedings. Today is a real moment of pride to be able to give evidence about the torture I suffered in the UAE… I am confident that the French judges will see how serious and important our evidence is and how it is the whole system in the UAE which is to blame for our abuse.”

Interpol’s headquarters are in the French city of Lyon and local media have noted that, as a result of the investigation into him, Al-Raisi could be detained for questioning in France if he visits the country.

Forbes sought comment from Interpol and Al-Raisi (via Interpol) for this article. In response, an Interpol spokesperson said “This is an issue between the parties involved, and given this is an ongoing matter it would be premature for Interpol to comment.”