Extradition from Turkey: How Countries Can Request Criminals Through Interpol and Bilateral Agreements

Turkey is a sovereign nation with a structured legal system that governs how and when individuals can be extradited. While many countries believe that an Interpol Red Notice automatically results in arrest and transfer, the truth is that Turkey reviews every request carefully under its national laws, bilateral agreements, and international treaties.

This article explains which countries can request extradition from Turkey, under what circumstances Turkey cooperates, and the legal protections that exist for individuals residing in Turkey.

What Is an Interpol Red Notice?

An Interpol Red Notice is not an arrest warrant.
It is simply a request from one country asking others to locate and provisionally detain a wanted individual.

• Turkey does not automatically extradite anyone based on a Red Notice.
• Every request is examined by the Turkish Ministry of Justice and evaluated by Turkish courts.
• If the request violates human rights, political freedom, or Turkey’s national interest, Turkey can refuse extradition.

Countries That Can Request Extradition from Turkey

Countries can request extradition in two main ways:

1. Through Bilateral or Multilateral Extradition Agreements

Turkey has extradition agreements with numerous countries, including:

• European Union countries
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Russia
• Azerbaijan
• Ukraine
• Certain Middle Eastern and Asian countries

These agreements define conditions for extradition, but an agreement does not guarantee extradition. Turkey makes the final decision through its judicial system.

2. Through Interpol

Any Interpol member country can file a Red Notice.
But again, Turkey decides whether to act on that request in accordance with domestic laws, constitutional protections, and international obligations.

Legal Conditions for Extradition from Turkey

Extradition is only granted if:

✅ The alleged crime is considered a crime under Turkish law
✅ The offense is not political in nature
✅ The requesting country guarantees a fair trial
✅ The person will not face torture, persecution, or the death penalty
✅ There is sufficient evidence presented
✅ The crime is punishable by imprisonment under Turkish law

Turkey protects individuals from politically motivated charges and extradition requests used as tools of oppression.

When Turkey Refuses Extradition

Turkey will not extradite individuals if:

• The crime is political or military in nature
• The individual has Turkish citizenship (Turkey does not extradite its citizens)
• The person risks unfair trial or persecution
• The requesting country seeks the death penalty
• There is insufficient legal evidence
• The case violates human rights principles

Turkey’s Commitment to Human Rights

Turkey, as a member of the European Convention on Human Rights, protects:

• Refugees
• Asylum seekers
• Individuals under risk of political persecution

Even if a country issues an Interpol Red Notice or has a treaty, Turkey will not extradite individuals in danger of injustice.

International Cooperation

Turkey cooperates with:

• Interpol for sharing intelligence and tracking criminals
• United Nations and European Council conventions
• Treaty-based extradition cases

But Turkey always retains the sovereign right to accept or reject any extradition request.

Key Takeaways

• Any Interpol member country can request extradition from Turkey, but Turkey decides whether to comply.
• Extradition is only approved if it aligns with Turkish laws and human rights protections.
• Turkey does not extradite for political reasons or to countries that cannot provide a fair trial.
• Possessing Turkish citizenship provides strong protection against extradition.

Conclusion

Turkey balances international cooperation with strong legal sovereignty. While many countries can file extradition requests through Interpol or legal agreements, Turkey makes final decisions based on justice, human rights, and national security.

This makes Turkey a globally cooperative country—but also a protector of legal rights and human dignity.