Russian rejected as Interpol president

A VLADIMIR Putin critic pursued by the Kremlin is among those celebrating after a Russian official failed, amid widespread concerns, to become Interpol’s president.

The British Government joined opposition to the potential election of Russian interior ministry veteran Alexander Prokopchuk yesterday, but he suffered a surprise loss to the South Korean candidate.

Critics of Moscow’s man feared a “mafia” takeover would see Interpol act at the behest of the Russian president, with the police network’s “red notices” used to pursue his foes.

Bill Browder, a British financier who has long battled Mr Putin and has been the subject of arrest warrants, said that “reason prevails in this dark world”, after Kim Jong Yang was chosen by Interpol’s general assembly. Mr Browder said: “The idea that Russia would be in charge of the international police organisations is one of the most horrifying things anyone can imagine, but particularly so for anyone who is being targeted by the Kremlin.” UK politicians also welcomed the election, with Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt saying it was “very important news for rule of law internationally”. A GLASS-FLOOR observation deck and rooftop bar has been opened at the top of Thailand’s tallest completed building, King Power Mahanakhon, which offers 360-degree views of Bangkok from 314 metres high.