Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatic Immunity

During my Political studies, I really enjoyed a module on DIPLOMACY and particularly the “Diplomatic Immunity” concept.

The concept of Diplomatic Immunity has been traced back to more than 3,000 years ago – but it wasn’t officially codified until the Vienna Conventions were signed. Diplomats, messengers and envoys were not to be harmed. This concept was universally accepted (but not always adhered to) by world empires.

Romans once sent an envoy to Tarentum (Italy) to announce war with them. Diplomatic Immunity was recognised even in those times, so they did not kill him. Instead, they urinated on him, as he was leaving the city. He commented as follows on this disrespectful act: “This stain will be washed away with blood!” And that’s what happened, when the ‘Second Punic War’ followed.

Mongols also placed a particular importance on ambassador immunity. They razed entire cities to the ground if their envoys were harmed!!

The Prophet Mohammad also recognised & adopted this concept, by saying:

أن الرسل لا تقتل
“… messengers are not killed.”
[“Abu Dawud”, 2761 – صحيح ].

The Rashidoon Caliphs after him also adopted this concept and acted in the same way with world Empires.