The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has requested Kenya to revoke diplomatic immunity for a diplomat’s son accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The case stems from an incident in August 2024 and has been legally challenged under Indian law, but proceedings are stalled due to immunity protections. MEA is actively pursuing this matter with Kenyan authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has requested Kenya to revoke diplomatic immunity for a Kenyan diplomat’s son, who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor. The incident allegedly occurred on a school bus in August 2024, leading to a formal complaint and subsequent legal actions in September 2024 under relevant Indian laws, specifically the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The accused, a class 12 student who is believed to now be an adult, was suspended from school following the allegations. However, legal proceedings have stalled due to his diplomatic immunity, which protects diplomats and their families from criminal prosecution in the host country. In an effort to move forward, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated they are actively engaging with the Kenyan government regarding this matter.
In accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, immunity for diplomatic family members can only be waived by the sending country. The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on September 19, 2024, following claims from the girl’s parents, who reported that their daughter disclosed the incident only after a series of probing questions, revealing she had been assaulted on the school bus.
In summary, the Indian MEA is urging Kenya to waive diplomatic immunity for a diplomat’s son accused of sexual assault, facilitating legal proceedings against him. The process has been hindered by the protections outlined in international diplomatic agreements, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting foreign diplomats and their families for serious allegations. Continued engagement with the Kenyan government is essential to resolve this case.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
