‘I’ve got diplomatic immunity’: Video appears to show arrest of Australian diplomat’s partner
By Zane Small
A video has emerged of what appears to be the partner of an Australian diplomat yelling a homophobic slur and telling police officers he has diplomatic immunity as he was being arrested in central Wellington last month.
New Zealand authorities have already taken the rare step of asking Australia to waive immunity, after a diplomat’s partner was allegedly involved in a boozy fight after a Bledisloe Cup Test.
The footage, provided to Stuff by a 19-year-old who filmed the incident, puts further pressure on Australia to consider the request, which came after an altercation between three people in downtown Wellington at about 3.30am on Sunday, September 29 attracted the attention of local police.
The 19-year-old says a man confronted him and his friends on the street after the game and “just became really aggressive”.
In the video, a man who cannot be seen behind the police restraining him can be heard yelling “You f--king stupid f----t! I’ve got diplomatic immunity! You f--k!”
“Police took one person into custody who was later released without charge after it was confirmed they held diplomatic immunity,” an NZ Police spokeswoman said last week.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they are aware that a video has been provided to the police.
The High Commission in Wellington refused to comment when asked if it would agree to waive his immunity, which would mean the man would face charges over the alleged incident.
In a statement, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it was aware of the incident.
“Posted officials and their dependents are expected to respect the law of the countries to which they are posted.”
The incident has been raised at the highest levels, with ministers briefed on both sides of the Tasman.
Screenshot of the alleged arrest of an Australian diplomat’s partner in Wellington.Credit: Sydney Morning Herald
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it expected foreign nations to waive immunity if “a serious crime is alleged to have been committed”.
Stuff, AAP
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