New Zealand Expels US Diplomat Amid Police Investigation
New Zealand has expelled a US diplomat after the embassy refused to waive his immunity during a police investigation.
The diplomat was allegedly involved in an incident on March 12, but police were unable to question him after the US embassy in Wellington declined their request.
New Zealand then asked the US to remove the man, who American officials confirmed had left on March 18.
Police have refused to give further details of the allegations.
Image spurce Flickr
However, according to New Zealand Radio, the man – who has not been named – had left the country with a broken nose and a black eye.
Police did say they were continuing to investigate the incident, which took place just outside Wellington.
All diplomatic staff working in New Zealand are immune from prosecution, thanks to the 1961 Vienna Convention.
New Zealand’s foreign ministry said it makes it “clear with all diplomatic missions in New Zealand that it expects foreign diplomats to abide by New Zealand law, and to waive immunity… if there are allegations of serious crimes”.
The US embassy in Wellington – which is without a permanent ambassador after President Barack Obama’s appointee was recalled by Donald Trump’s administration in January – said it did not comment on the specifics of matters under investigation.
The embassy added: “We take seriously any suggestion that our staff have fallen short of the high standards of conduct expected of US government personnel.”