Diplomatic immunity

Diplomatic immunity is a form of legal immunity and a policy held between governments, which ensures that diplomats are given safe passage and are considered not susceptible to lawsuit or prosecution under the host country's laws (although they can be expelled). It was agreed as international law in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), though there is a much longer history in international law.

Related Topics:
Immunity - Diplomat - Lawsuit - Prosecution - International law - Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It is possible for the official's home country to waive immunity; this tends to only happen when the individual has committed a serious crime, unconnected with their diplomatic role (as opposed to, say, allegations of spying), or has witnessed such a crime. Alternatively, the home country may prosecute the individual.

Related Topics:
Crime - Spy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~