McCully: Accused diplomat should be named

A view over Wellington to the hills of Brooklyn where the alleged attack took place. Right, Murray McCully says the accused diplomat's country should be named. Photo / NZ Herald

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the name and country of a foreign diplomat accused of sexual offences should not remain a secret.

Media from the diplomat's country are now reporting the case, and its Foreign Affairs Ministry planned to hold a press conference about it today.

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The man, who claimed diplomatic immunity, cannot be identified because of a suppression order.

Mr McCully sought advice from the Solicitor-General on the matter, who said Government should comply with the court order.

Read more of the Herald's coverage of this today:
Diplomat will face charges at home, Key predicts
Editorial: Diplomat's nation should be named

But he added: "We understand that some media organisations are seeking to have that suppression order lifted. And I wish you well.

"I can't see any good public policy reason why you'd want to protect someone from publicity given there won't be a trial."

The Herald and other news organisations are challenging the court order. Mr McCully said Government did not plan to join the legal action.

MFAT called in the relevant country's Head of Mission last night to tell them that New Zealand expected the diplomat to face the consequences of his actions.

Prime Minister John Key said the country had reassured MFAT that they were taking the issue very seriously.

"We made it quite clear that we were under no illusion about how seriously New Zealand took the issue, and we expect the person to be held to account," he said.

The diplomat, aged in his 30s, fled the country after being charged with burglary and assault with intent to rape by Wellington police.

He had followed a 21-year-old woman to her home in Brooklyn on May 9, when the alleged assault occurred.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs formally asked for the diplomat's home country to waive diplomatic immunity, but it declined.

Government said the man could still face charges in his home country.