Frenchman rape case stuck in limbo

The case against Pascal Mazurier, the French consulate official accused of raping his four-year-old daughter, has hit a wall as confusion prevails over his immunity status.

The case against Pascal Mazurier, the French consulate official accused of raping his four-year-old daughter, has hit a wall as confusion prevails over his immunity status.

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On Sunday, MEA officials said Mazurier holds a service passport and not a diplomatic passport. "But that alone is not reason enough to say he does not enjoy diplomatic immunity," MEA sources told HT.

A diplomatic passport is issued to diplomats at the third secretary-level and above. A service passport is issued to government employees for work-related travel. This passport does not provide full immunity.

However, Mazurier holds a diplomatic card, which grants him certain privileges. The level of privileges is a matter of negotiation between the countries.

MEA officials said they are scrutinising documents to ascertain the privileges Mazurier's card gives him.