Diplomats escape 546 charges in U.K.
NZPA-Reuter London Foreign diplomats in Britain escaped prosecution for 546 serious offences, including rape and incest, during the last 10 years, says the Foreign Office. They could not be charged because of diplomatic immunity and the offences must be regarded as not proven, according to a Foreign Office document presented to an all-party Parliamentary committee investigating diplomatic privileges.
“It would not be in the best interests of our relations with the diplomatic corps to describe the cirum-
stances of each case,” the document said. “Serious” is defined as a crime that, on conviction, would lead to a penalty of six months imprisonment or more.
The Foreign Office list refers to 16 sexual offences since 1974, including two cases of rape in 1977 and 1980 and two of incest, and 12 cases of gross indecency and indecent assault. A blackmail offence is recorded in 1977. There are more than 200 cases of theft, more than 30 offences of violence, and three cases of causing death by reckless driving.
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Press, 23 June 1984, Page 5
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173Diplomats escape 546 charges in U.K. Press, 23 June 1984, Page 5
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