Legal Thoughts, Part I

It has been reported that a new suspect has been identified during the re-animated investigation into the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher. I am troubled by this.

The heartbreaking fact of the matter is that WPC Fletcher's murderer, whoever they might be or have been (given the current situation in Libya, this might perhaps be a more fluid, less definite condition than they might be wholly comfortable with), very probably walked out of the Libyan Embassy in London under the cover of diplomatic immunity. If they had immunity at the time, then I cannot see how they do not enjoy immunity now. I cannot possibly see how diplomats whose credentials have once been accepted can later be held to account for anything they did or might have done while their credentials were recognised.

For even after her murder, their credentials were recognised. That's why they walked out of their own accord, rather than being carried out in body bags after a brief encounter with some gentlemen from Hereford.

All we would achieve by pursuing a prosecution in this matter would be to make every British diplomat fair game for illegal prosecution, wherever in the world they might have served and without regard for whatever period of time might have elapsed after their posting had finished. I am beginning to wonder if those in charge of this country's government have finally lost all understanding of that the rule of law really is.