Suspects in killing of Chinese diplomats in Cebu receive diplomatic immunity

cebu shooting
Suspects in Killing of Chinese Diplomats in Cebu City Receive Diplomatic Immunity – photo courtesy of Inquirer.net – www.plnmedia.com

The two suspects in the killing of two Chinese diplomats at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Cebu City have been turned over to the Chinese Embassy as the pair have asserted ‘diplomatic immunity’ rights.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that Li Quin Liang and Li’s wife, Guo Jing, who work for the consulate’s visa section have been taken by the a security team from Beijing. They will undergo a full investigation and trial in their own countries.

DFA said once the couple reached the Cebu City police station they were questioned by police – but the couple requested diplomatic immunity which formally ended any questioning.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, diplomats are immune from criminal jurisdiction in the host state – the Philippines and China have had a Consular Agreement between them since 2009.

The Vienna Convention does not release those claiming Diplomatic Immunity, the suspects in this case will be tried under Chinese law – which if they are found guilty of murder, the country can and most likely will impose the death penalty.
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