Two Pakistani diplomats in UK accused of abduction, rape

Published July 17, 2014
FCO minister Mark Simmonds. — Photo by AFP
FCO minister Mark Simmonds. — Photo by AFP

The British Foreign and Commonwealth office (FCO) disclosed a list of the most serious alleged offences committed in 2013 which included representatives from Pakistan accused of child abduction and rape, according to a report published in The Independent.

The accused men were among foreign diplomats suspected of 14 crimes — who are entitled to diplomatic immunity and thus protected from British law.

Two Saudi men were arrested for drink-driving and have escaped prosecution despite the fact that the crime entails brutal lashings in their own country. A diplomat from Kuwait — where alcohol is banned — was also accused of drink-driving.

FCO minister, Mark Simmonds had on Tuesday presented to the British parliament the list of diplomats, who had allegedly committed ‘serious and significant’ crimes.

He said the Metropolitan Police’s Diplomatic Protection Group had warned the FCO regarding 14 criminal offences committed by foreign diplomats.

Simmons added that the number of crimes committed by members of the diplomat community in UK was significantly low.

“The FCO does not tolerate foreign diplomats breaking the law,” the FCO minister said.

As per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, those granted immunity are expected to obey the law and if allegations come at the forefront, the relevant foreign government can be asked to withdraw the privilege so that an investigation can be carried out against the accused.

Earlier last year, the FCO had made that request for five of the most serious crimes, including those committed by the Pakistani diplomats.

Despite the fact that the Pakistani government had partially lifted immunity in one case so that police could interview the diplomat, there were no legal compulsions for complying with the British request.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...