Metropolitan Police investigate allegations of embassy staff using illegal weapons
The Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations that guards from the Chinese embassy brandished illegal electroshock batons at protesters, reports BritPanorama.
The government has faced calls for action following the alleged incident, which involved videos showing security personnel at both the current embassy in Portland Place and the proposed new site at Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London wielding the weapons during protests in recent months. Electroshock weapons are prohibited in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police stated that officers are reviewing evidence, including video footage provided by witnesses. The allegations suggest a serious breach of authority during protests.
Officials from Downing Street confirmed that the matter has been raised with the embassy and warned that foreign diplomats are obliged to adhere to British laws.
The Chinese embassy has dismissed the claims as “nothing but fabrication and defamation,” attributing them to “Tibetan independence elements” who allegedly attempted to trespass on embassy premises.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson refrained from commenting on the police investigation’s specifics but emphasized that if evidence of a crime is identified, action will be taken. He stressed, “Any attempts by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm individuals on UK soil will never be tolerated.”
Further reinforcing this stance, the spokesperson highlighted the expectation that all foreign diplomats in the UK must respect local laws, mirroring the expectations placed on British diplomats abroad.
Amidst these developments, Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns criticized the government for inadequate responsiveness, describing the police investigation as a “dead end” due to potential international protection for embassy premises.
Kearns asserted that despite nine weeks passing since the initial incident, the government’s only action has been to raise the matter with the embassy, describing the lack of further intervention as a failure to protect individuals on British soil.
The police reiterated details of a protest that occurred on July 3, during which two individuals alleged that embassy staff pointed a Taser at them. Although no injuries were reported, the police have yet to arrest anyone involved and continue to review the situation.
A Met Police spokesperson urged anyone with further information to contact the authorities, emphasizing the ongoing investigation into the matter.
The unfolding situation raises significant questions about diplomatic immunity and the enforcement of domestic laws in the context of foreign embassies, highlighting the delicate balance of power and legal accountability.
