Bahareh Zare Bahari
Numerous cases have been filed against Ms. Bahari, both in Iran and in the Philippines.

“From what we understand, numerous cases have been filed against Ms. Bahari, both in Iran and in the Philippines on the basis of her support for opposition parties in Iran and her stance on human rights in the country,” said Radha Stirling, an international lawyer spearheading calls for Interpol reform. “Interpol has allowed itself to be used as an instrument of political persecution by a number of authoritarian regimes around the world. They issue Red Notices against activists, journalists, lawyers and others at the request of oppressive, undemocratic states with horrendous human rights records and Draconian legal systems, with no semblance of due diligence. It is apparent that the Red Notice against Ms. Bahari is politically motivated, and she has every reason to fear for her safety if the Philippines rejects her appeal for asylum.”
Stirling explained that instances of blatant, politically-motivated Interpol abuse have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years, and governments
around the world are reassessing their relationship with the international policing organisation. “I met with congressional advisors drafting US legislation aimed at curbing Interpol abuse, and I will be advising the Australian government on ways to conditionalise their cooperation with Interpol, after the horrendous incident with Hakeem Alaraibi in Thailand,” she said.