British PR firm fails to respond to joint letter calling for the termination of their contract with Emirati presidential candidate ahead of INTERPOL elections

Project Associates, a London-based public relations firm hired to promote Emirati Official Ahmed Al Raisi’s presidential campaign ahead of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) presidential elections, has failed to respond to a joint letter from 11 NGOs urging the firm to sever its ties with the Emirati candidate and the UAE government. 

The letter addresses the continued human rights abuses committed by state security forces under Al Raisi’s leadership. It also outlines the systemic use of ill-treatment in state security facilities and the allegations of torture filed against Al Raisi, including that of Emirati human rights defender, Ahmed Mansoor, and British academic Matthew Hedges, who was accused of spying in the UAE.

As Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior in the UAE, Al Raisi is a part of a security apparatus that relentlessly oppresses dissent in the country and targets human rights activists for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Thus, his candidacy provides a threat to INTERPOL’s mission to provide fair and just law enforcement with respect for human rights, and jeopardises its reputation as an international organisation facilitating international police cooperation and crime control.

A lack of response from Projects Associates indicates the firm's neglect for its moral and legal responsibilities as it continues to aid the UAE in concealing the country’s atrocious record of human rights violations. Furthermore, it demonstrates Project Associates' support for an electoral outcome that would result in INTERPOL being led by an individual condoning torture and other serious human rights malpractices.

ICFUAE Statement 

We call on Projects Associates to evaluate their moral and legal responsibilities and to terminate their contract with Mr Al Raisi, and to discontinue their relationship with the Emirati government. 

Read the full letter here.