Officials with diplomatic immunity charged with assault and indecent exposure | Political news

On November 15, 2024By Pranco

Sexual violence and indecent exposure are among the crimes allegedly committed last year by people with diplomatic immunity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that nine serious and significant crimes were allegedly committed by foreign officials exempt from prosecution in 2023.

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A “serious offence” is defined as something punishable by a prison sentence of 12 months or more, said Minister Catherine West, who confirmed the data in a written ministerial statement.

According to diplomatic treaties established in international law, officials with a diplomatic service based abroad are granted various immunities. The extent to which they, or their family members, are immune from persecution depends on their age.

Serious crimes committed in 2023 included: an Iraqi accused of possessing or distributing indecent images of children; a Libyan accused of sexual assault; a Portuguese accused of indecent exposure and someone from Singapore accused of child abuse or neglect.

A Fijian and a Pakistani were also charged with driving without insurance; while diplomats from Ghana, Libya and Mongolia were accused of assault.

Ms West said: “Around 26,500 people are entitled to diplomatic or international organisation-related immunity in Britain and the vast majority of diplomats and family members adhere to British law.

“The number of alleged serious crimes committed by members of the diplomatic community in Britain is comparatively low.”

She said the State Department “will not tolerate foreign diplomats or family members breaking the law” and that when crimes are brought to their attention, “we ask the relevant foreign government or international organization to waive immunity where necessary to facilitate further research”.

“For the most serious violations, and where no relevant waiver has been granted, we request the immediate withdrawal of the diplomat or dependent.”

American spies were among the foreign government personnel for whom immunity was claimed Anne Sacoolas, who fled the UK after killing teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn in Northamptonshire in 2019. Britain wanted her to return to court, but the US State Department opposed that. Ultimately, she was tried remotely while remaining in the US.

The minister also outlined the fines and taxes owed by diplomatic missions, including more than £152 million in unpaid London congestion charges from their introduction in 2003 until the end of September 2024.

The US owed £15 million of that total, while Japan owed £10 million and China £9 million.

Ms West said: “Officials are in regular contact with diplomatic missions and international organizations in Britain regarding outstanding National Foreign Rate (NNDR) payments, outstanding parking fines and unpaid London congestion charges, to urge payment of outstanding debts and fines. .”