Mugabe’s wife beats assault rap in Hong Kong

Though it’s a comparatively minor offence when you consider her husband’s crimes, it’s still a little disappointing that Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe will not be charged for punching Times photographer Tim O’Rourke in the face with her diamond ring while shopping in Hong Kong: The Department of Justice in the territory issued a statement ...

By , a former associate editor at Foreign Policy.
587538_090323_grace2.jpg
587538_090323_grace2.jpg
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's wife Grace attends celebrations marking the country's 28th anniversary of Independence at a stadium in Harare, on April 18, 2008. Robert Mugabe came out fighting in his first major speech since disputed polls, fending off criticism over his rights record and accusing Britain of stirring up unrest. In a wide-ranging speech to mark the 28th anniversary of independence from Britain, the 84-year-old Mugabe fired off a string of insults against the former colonial power and said democracy had only been established in Zimbabwe after the demise of whites-only rule. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images)

Though it's a comparatively minor offence when you consider her husband's crimes, it's still a little disappointing that Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe will not be charged for punching Times photographer Tim O'Rourke in the face with her diamond ring while shopping in Hong Kong:

Though it’s a comparatively minor offence when you consider her husband’s crimes, it’s still a little disappointing that Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe will not be charged for punching Times photographer Tim O’Rourke in the face with her diamond ring while shopping in Hong Kong:

The Department of Justice in the territory issued a statement saying: “Grace Mugabe is not liable to arrest or detention, and enjoys immunity from prosecution.” These rights come under Chinese regulations on diplomatic immunity and privileges, the department said.

Hong Kong’s legal system is separate from that of China under terms of its reversion to Beijing rule in 1997, but it must apply China’s laws in cases involving foreign relations or defence.

Another Times photog got throttled by guards a month later when he tried to take a peek at the Mugabes’ new Hong Kong pad.

McClatchy’s Tim Johnson worries about the damage to Hong Kong’s reputation if it becomes the destination of choice for Mugabe and his ilk.

ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/Getty Images

Joshua Keating was an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating

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