Mr Pulford was unexpectedly named by Hong Kong prosecutors in a press announcement issued on the 2nd of January 2024 in the ongoing trial of Jimmy Lai. Mr. Lai, the former editor of the Apple Daily, a Hong Kong newspaper closed down by authorities following the implementation of extensive national security laws at the request of the Chinese Government, faces various charges related to national security offenses, including the publication of seditious articles, which he vehemently denies. Mr de Pulford was named as a co-conspirator alongside the high profile Global Magnitsky campaign founder Bill Browder.

In statements made from by the US State Department, EU bodies, US Congress and Lord Cameron, the UK Foreign Secretary as well as numerous human rights organizations the prosecution of Mr Lai has been criticised as being politically motivated. 

One of the founding principles of Interpol’s Constitution bars the organisation from carrying out any form of political activity. BSQ have asked Interpol to publicly confirm if any alerts from Hong Kong concerning Mr. de Pulford have been received. Furthermore, Interpol has been urged to refrain from acting on any such requests, considering the political context of the case.

The letter of representation was submitted to Interpol last week. To date no reply has been received from the CCF.

Roger Sahota specialises in challenging Interpol Red Notices and diffusions with a particular focus on requests related to individuals sought by the Chinese Government for economic crime offenses.

Should you require a solicitor with extensive experience in defending Red Notices, or you require a criminal defence lawyer with international expertise, please do not hesitate to contact our London offices on 0044 208 858 0851.