A man reportedly being held in Iraq over a "small" bank debt is facing extradition to Qatar - and this should be a warning sign to World Cup fans, a criminal justice expert has said. Radha Stirling warns that oil-rich Qatar has a history of wrongfully using Interpol notices “as a debt collection tactic akin to extortion".
Brian Glendinning, 43, a construction engineer from Kincardine, Fife was contracted to work on a BP refinery in Iraq but on September 12 was arrested on an Interpol “red notice” at Baghdad airport. He has since been held in a police cell awaiting an extradition hearing, reports the Daily Record.
Radha Stirling, founder of Ipex, an NGO seeking reform of Interpol and the extradition process, said Qatar National Bank sought the extradition of Mr Glendinning from Iraq over a small bank loan. But she said that with the World Cup starting in Qatar on November 20, the use of such red notices should be taken as a warning to football fans heading to the Gulf state.
The country is preparing to host 1.2 million visitors for the World Cup, including fans travelling to watch England and Wales. Ms Stirling said Qatar had a history of wrongfully using Interpol notices “as a debt collection tactic akin to extortion”. She said: “They wait for a customer to be arrested and hope the parents will dispose of assets and pay the debt themselves,” she said.
“The bank usually asks for substantially more than what was owed, knowing parents will pay anything to keep their children out of jail.” She added: “We will make every diplomatic and legal effort to save Brian from extradition.
“We’ve helped Brits arrested in Spain [on an Interpol notice issued by Qatar], many times, the Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, Ukraine and so on. “The police and court time is costly and the victim can be unfairly detained throughout the trial.
“It’s a human rights issue and clearly highlights Qatar’s intimate relationship with Interpol. With the World Cup coming up, Qatar should be mindful of rights attacks towards foreigners.”
Mr Glendinning’s family said he needed “urgent help" or risked extradition to Qatar, "where human rights violations are notorious and where it is likely he would never be allowed to leave”.
His brother, John Glendinning, 39, has set up a fundraiser to support Mr Glendinning’s wife Kimberly, son Bailey, daughters Heidi and Lexi and granddaughter Frankie.
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