UP

New Zealand expels US diplomat

Home page World
12 Punto 14 Punto 16 Punto 18 Punto

A US diplomat has been expelled from New Zealand over allegations of involvement in a “serious” criminal incident.

New Zealand asked the unnamed diplomat to leave the country after the US Embassy refused to waive his diplomatic immunity so that he could be investigated.

Police said officers responded to an incident close to Wellington where the US Embassy is located last Sunday but the American had already left the scene.

Authorities did not release any further details about the incident.

TVNZ identified the diplomat as Colin White, a technical attaché who worked at the US embassy alongside his wife. White reportedly sustained a broken nose and a black eye during the mysterious incident.

Police asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to waive the diplomat’s diplomatic immunity so they could carry out an investigation.

The ministry agreed to the request because the man was involved in a "serious" crime, one that could have seen him land in jail for at least one year.

Subsequently, the ministry appealed to the US Embassy to waive the immunity, but the US government refused to do so.

MFAT officials then asked the American to leave New Zealand immediately.

It is understood that the diplomat has since left the country. However, the case is not closed and the investigation is still “active,” according to police.

Foreign diplomats in New Zealand have immunity from any criminal processes. However, MFAT will request that their immunity be lifted “if there are allegations of serious crimes.”

Date
2017.03.20 / 12:36
Author
Axar.az
See also

Trump on if he can end fighting in Ukraine: ‘I don’t know’

EU prepares sanctions options as pressure on Israel grows

Trump administration deports eight migrants to South Sudan

Where Is the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?

Israeli negotiating team to head to Doha for talks with Hamas

Russian air defenses shoot down four drones headed for Moscow

UK reestablishes diplomatic ties with Syria

Drone paint attack targets Russian Trade Mission in Sweden

Strike by French air traffic controllers causes flight delays

Pashinyan: Armenia needs new constitution

Latest
Xocalı soyqırımı — 1992-ci il Bağla
Bize yazin Bağla
ArxivBağla