Meng Hongwei, China's vice minister of public security, was elected as the president of Interpol on Thursday. Meng is the first-ever Chinese to be appointed as the head of the French-based organization which is widely considered as a "global police organization" by the international community.

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The Chinese security minister was elected at Interpol's 85^th general assembly held on the Indonesian island of Bali, the agency said in a press release. He will be replacing incumbent President Mireille Ballestrazzi and will take office from immediate effect.         

Meng was quoted saying in Interpol's press release that he takes over the reins of Interpol at a critical time when the world is behest with some of the most critical security challenges since the World War II.

The appointment is likely to give a huge boost to China's controversial undercover operation to nab Chinese fugitives hiding on foreign soil. The undercover operation is a part of President Xi Jinping's national wide crackdown against corrupt officials.

However, Meng's appointment may force many human right organizations to press the panic button. Activists have been long critical of China's alleged human right violations. The country's law enforcement agencies have been accused of subjecting prisoners to third-degree torture and forced confession.

"The Chinese police have a terrible human rights record, including the endemic practice of coercing 'confessions' and the widespread use of torture," Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia director at Amnesty International, said in an interview.      

Bequelin also wrote on his Twitter account that China has a long history of using Interpol to nab fugitives and criminals hiding in foreign countries.

Although the post of Interpol's president is widely considered "ceremonial" in nature. Nonetheless, Meng would be an influential figure, as he would be heading a powerful organization that is recognized by 190 countries across the world and has the power to issue a "red notice" against criminals.         

The red notice is treated as an international warrant and is often used by member nations to extradite criminals from foreign countries.  

TagsMeng Hongwei, interpol, Interpol President, china, Interpol's 85th General Assembly