US diplomat forced to leave New Zealand after being involved in 'serious criminal incident'
The man, who has diplomatic immunity, reportedly suffered a broken nose and a black eye
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A US diplomat has been forced to leave New Zealand after he was allegedly involved in a serious criminal incident.
The man, who has diplomatic immunity, apparently suffered a broken nose and a black eye.
New Zealand police were called to Lower Hutt, just outside Wellington, where the US embassy is based, after reports of an incident.
The diplomat left the scene before the officers arrived and no arrests were made, The Guardian reported.
New Zealand police have apparently asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to waive the man’s diplomatic immunity so they can investigate.
MFAT asked the US embassy to do so and after they refused, the ministry requested the diplomat leave New Zealand.
Foreign diplomats in New Zealand have immunity from criminal processes but must abide by the law and wave their immunity if they are requested to do so.
In a statement, the US embassy said it could not comment on the incident.
“We take seriously any suggestion that our staff have fallen short of the high standards of conduct expected of US government personnel,” the statement said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments