Chinese official seeks Interpol role, sparking fears for dissidents

Rights groups and politicians say Interpol risks being used as a vehicle for China's repressive policies

A senior official at China's ministry of public security is seeking election to Interpol's executive committee, prompting concerns from human rights activists and international politicians that China could misuse the global criminal police organisation's capabilities to track down overseas dissidents.

Hu Binchen, the deputy director-general of the ministry's international cooperation department, is one of three candidates vying for two seats as Asia delegates on the committee.