The wife of Zimbabwes President Robert Mugabe has been granted diplomatic immunity from prosecution over her alleged assault of a British journalist in Hong Kong, authorities said Sunday. The Department of Justice said Grace Mugabe, 43, was not liable to arrest and enjoyed immunity from criminal prosecutions under Chinese law.
Hong Kongs legal system is separate from China, but it has to apply the countrys laws in cases involving foreign relations or defence. Jones has said a "completely deranged" Mugabe struck him in the face repeatedly as her bodyguard grabbed him when he was trying to snap photos of her leaving the five-star Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel in January.
The photographer later reported the incident to the police and said he sustained numerous bruises and cuts to his face from the assault, thanks to the diamond-encrusted ring the first lady was wearing.
Jones said Sunday that the governments decision was a disgrace and he felt angry that he only learned about the result of the police investigation from the media.
"I think its a disgrace for the Hong Kong government to allow a person to walk on a street in Hong Kong, punch a member of the media, and walk free from it. This is a town where the freedom of the media is a strong tradition," he told AFP. His lawyer Michael Vidler said CCTV footage and statements from independent witnesses had provided strong evidence for their case.
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