A debate over diplomatic immunity sparked in China after a Chinese journalist claimed that her car was hit by a vehicle belonging to the US Embassy. According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday evening at one of Beijing’s busy intersections on the Third Ring Road, Global Times reports.
Chen Lin, an employee at Hong Kong’s Phoenix Television, claims that her car was scratched by a van with a US Embassy license plate. As the driver attempted to speed away from the scene, Lin claims that she attempted to stop the car but was dragged dozens of meters into traffic, where she sustained injuries. Despite being injured, Lin alleges that the driver then fled the scene.
Lin shared her experience on her Weibo account on Friday. The news sparked a fierce debate on social media about the potential abuse of diplomatic immunity in China. The post had more than 12 million views and over 3,000 comments in a few days’ time.
According to Lin, police said that it’s possible that whoever the car belongs to may have diplomatic immunity, which might make it difficult to legally pursue them.
Zhou Shijian, a senior researcher of international relations at Tsinghua University, said that while diplomatic immunity might protect diplomats from being legally punished for some actions, some cases can be brought to a court. In some serious cases, diplomats can be deported and legally punished in their home countries.
The incident is currently under investigation. However, the Global Times tweeted that the driver has apologized for the incident and will financially compensate Lin.
[Image via Weibo]
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