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 ...
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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