Question about Diplomatic Immunity....Please Answer?!?

Is it fair to say that Diplomatic Immunity means that people of higher power can get away with things such as murder, rape, abuse, stealing, DUI's, parking/traffic tickets etc?

I mean that is ridiculous. To be able to go into any country and committ a crime of any sort and be able to get away with it?!?!?!?

For Example: If a guy from a different country came to this country and raped a girl and it was caught on tape then the authoritites of this country caught up with him and he simply said " I have Diplomatic Immunity" then the authorities just escort him out of this country and he is free to go????? I mean I know they say he would get punished in his country but in all reality he probably wouldnt. Thats Crazy.............

1.What are your opinions on it?!?!?!?
2.If you are for Diplomatic Immunity why?!?!?!?

Spotter 888

Every employee of an embassy is considered to have diplomatic immunity. Before one is chosen for that post, they would have to undergo a battery of screening. Everything from physical, emotional, mental and security to make sure that they are right for the job. Sometimes, even their family members are screened too.

So they are not just anyone off the street who will be prone to committing petty crimes. While posted abroad they are constantly under surveillance making sure they will not be recruited as spies. Granting for the sake of argument that they get into an accident like a DUI, they cannot be charged but they will definitely pay for any damage they caused. Also with diplomatic plates, they will not be even stopped by the police, let alone issued a parking ticket. Chances are, they even have a local police escort to ensure that.

Diplomats are usually wined and dined by government officials from the host country. They are assured of a good time, if you know what I mean. The host country's diplomats get the same treatment here too.

Chris

Yes it does mean that. That being said, it's not ridiculous. Diplomatic immunity makes sure that a nation's diplomats are not unfairly targeted for crimes they did not commit just to prove a point (imagine how many countries who are opposed to the Iraq war might arrest our diplomats for "murder" due to their connection to the US). Countries cannot afford to have the streets lined with the bodies of their diplomats due to unpopular policies.

If a diplomat with immunity commits any real offense, the country they represent will almost always recall them to the country and try them for the crime there. This is done to maintain relations.

Theresa

The reason for diplomatic immunity is not to protect criminals, but to make things fair, because what is considered a crime in one country may not be considered a crime in another country. For example, in some strict muslim countries it is against the law for a woman to leave her house without a male family member escorting her, to wear anything revealing (showing arms or legs), or to drive. However, the U.S. would not want our female diplomats in those countries to get thrown into jail just for going about their daily business. In some countries a man or woman who has relations (or even just the appearance of relations) outside of marriage would be executed.

Diplomatic immunity doesn't mean that anyone can go around committing crimes and get away with it. It means that countries treat the criminal according to their own customs.

wartz

I'm for it because it works both ways.

The country that the diplomat represents can voluntarily surrender the person.

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