Interpol faces criticism for allowing Syria to rejoin its network

Global policing body gives Damascus powers to pursue refugees and dissidents living outside the country

Interpol has allowed Syria to rejoin its communications network, a widely criticised decision that gives Damascus new powers to pursue refugees and dissidents living outside the country.

Bashar al-Assad's regime has remained a member of the global policing body but was subject to several corrective measures" after the civil war broke out in 2011. It was previously suspended from accessing Interpol's databases and communicating with other member states regarding requests for international arrests.