ANTIGUA – Gov’t still baffled by arrest of Tourism Minister in the UK

The Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda announced Thursday that it will “consult further” after discussing the recent arrest of a high-ranking Government official.

Asot Michael was relieved of his ministerial portfolio last month after he was arrested and questioned at London Gatwick Airport by UK authorities, allegedly in relation to a money-laundering probe.

The Cabinet said it “held a discussion on the international law challenges posed by the UK’s decision to arrest” Michael who was on official business at the time.

“The discussion centered around the immunities agreed-to by states under the Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Immunities, which a Minister of any state may or may not enjoy, regardless of the size of the country, when entering or transiting the UK. The Cabinet agreed to consult further on the issue,” said government Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst.

He did not provide further details about the discussion.

When Michael was arrested last month, questions were raised about a possible breach of the protocol governing diplomatic immunity.

Michael is the holder of an Antigua & Barbuda diplomatic passport.

Since his arrest Michael has been fired from the Cabinet where he held the portfolio of Minister of Tourism.

He remains a Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Peter.

One thought on “ANTIGUA – Gov’t still baffled by arrest of Tourism Minister in the UK

  1. Diplomatic immunity does not extend to financial crime….check the Geneva Convention.

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