How does diplomatic immunity work?

How does diplomatic immunity work?

• In TV shows it seems like a foreign character can commit crimes all they want and then say "diplomatic immunity" to get out of any punishment. Is that really how it works?

• Answer:

  Yes and no. Frequently diplomatic immunity is invoked to avoid lesser offenses- speeding, illegal parking, maybe even a DUI. For really heinous crimes, the country in which the diplomat is invoking immunity can ask the far-away country to waive the offender's immunity. This happens very seldom. But any diplomat can be PNG'd. (Persona Non Grata) And if the diplomat is really a threat to society, he'll get sent home and have to deal with ruining relations with the host country. Diplomacy is the lubricant between nations. If the diplomat messes up badly, he'll hurt the relationship between the two nations. Sure, he might dodge criminal punishment, but he'll have to answer for his acts when he gets home. Check the site below for clarification. Good luck! BTW, remember that when you see a movie, it's always better if the really bad guy can smirk as he tells our good guys, "I have diplomatic immunity, so you can't arrest me." Just a good gimmick to make the movie more exciting- the audience (you) grit your teeth and are frustrated. In real life, it's frequently small stuff- parking in a red zone- because diplomats don't often murder innocent victims. Good movie gimmicks make for unbelievable real life. Take care!!