There are no proper checks and balances on the power of Interpol by the international community. The supra-national body is based in Lyon, France, but it retains immunity under French law which means that there are no courts in which the actions of Interpol can be challenged. That position has now changed.

In May of this year, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) gave judgment on the compatibility of Interpol’s practice and procedures with EU data protection law, the principle of double jeopardy and freedom of movement within the EU.

The CJEU has given Interpol a slap on the wrists giving a clear marker t...