Interpol red notices and international arrest warrants are serious matters—especially for foreign nationals living in or traveling through Turkey. If you are subject to a red notice or extradition request, you may be detained, have your passport seized, or face removal proceedings. At ER&GUN&ER, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers provide strategic legal defense for individuals facing Interpol-based arrests and extradition demands. This guide explains how red notices work in Turkey, the extradition procedure, and how we protect your rights under Turkish and international law.
What Is an Interpol Red Notice?
A red notice is not an international arrest warrant—but a request to locate and provisionally detain an individual pending extradition. It is issued by Interpol at the request of a member country and shared with all member police networks, including Turkey’s Interpol Department under the General Directorate of Security.
Can You Be Arrested in Turkey Based on a Red Notice?
Yes. Turkish authorities may detain you based on a valid red notice. However, detention is not automatic. The Ministry of Justice and relevant courts assess:
- Whether the offense is recognized under Turkish law
- Whether an extradition treaty exists
- Whether the offense is political, military, or discriminatory
- Whether the red notice is legally valid and not abusive
Extradition Law in Turkey: Legal Framework
Turkey's extradition procedures are governed by:
- Law No. 6706 on International Judicial Cooperation
- 1957 European Convention on Extradition (ETS No. 24)
- Bilateral extradition treaties with individual countries
For extradition to proceed, the requesting country must submit a formal diplomatic request to the Turkish Ministry of Justice.
Judicial Process for Extradition
- Detention based on red notice
- Review by Criminal Court of Peace
- Submission of extradition request through Ministry
- Court hearing to determine legality and compliance
- Decision: Extradition granted or denied
Grounds for Denying Extradition in Turkey
- The offense is not a crime under Turkish law
- The request is politically motivated
- The suspect may face torture, unfair trial, or death penalty
- The individual is a Turkish citizen (Turkey does not extradite its own nationals)
Can You Challenge the Red Notice or Extradition?
Yes. Our firm represents clients in:
- Challenging detention in Turkish courts
- Filing for removal of the Red Notice at Interpol’s CCF (Commission for the Control of Files)
- Filing constitutional complaints if due process is violated
Defense Through POA (Power of Attorney)
Foreign nationals detained or at risk of extradition may issue POA to a Turkish criminal lawyer. With POA, we:
- Request release or judicial control
- Attend extradition hearings
- Negotiate with prosecutors and ministries
- Engage with diplomatic and human rights bodies
Real Case Examples
- 🇷🇺 Russian national detained at Turkish airport—red notice lifted within 45 days
- 🇮🇷 Iranian businessman arrested—extradition blocked due to political nature of charges
- 🇫🇷 French citizen with Interpol notice—remained in Turkey under judicial control, not extradited
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can Turkey deny an Interpol arrest? Yes. Turkey may decline to arrest or extradite based on legal and human rights grounds.
- How long can I be detained? Pretrial detention may last up to 40 days, extendable with judicial orders.
- Can I fight a red notice even if extradition is not requested yet? Yes. We file for red notice deletion before extradition is initiated.
- Will my passport be confiscated? Likely yes. Courts may impose judicial control including travel bans.
- Can I leave Turkey while a red notice is active? Usually not. Travel bans may be imposed, and departure blocked at borders.
- Can a red notice be removed? Yes. We apply to Interpol’s CCF with legal argument and evidence of abuse or invalidity.
- Is it safe to travel to Turkey with an active red notice? No. You may be detained on arrival even if extradition is unlikely.
- Is Interpol the same as a court? No. Interpol is not a judicial body—it only shares alerts among national police networks.
- Can Turkey extradite me without trial? No. Turkish courts must review and approve any extradition. The process is judicial, not automatic.
Conclusion: Strategic Defense for International Justice
Interpol red notices and extradition requests can derail your freedom, career, and future—unless addressed proactively and professionally. At ER&GUN&ER, our English Speaking Turkish Lawyers defend foreign nationals from unjust arrests, political persecution, and abusive extradition attempts. We act swiftly to contest detention, negotiate judicial control, and apply to Interpol and Turkish courts for protective rulings. Contact the Best Lawyer in Turkey today to protect your rights under both Turkish and international law.