The Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda announced tonight that it will “consult further” after discussing the recent arrest of Member of Parliament Asot Michael.
The MP was relieved of his ministerial portfolio last month after he was arrested and questioned by UK authorities allegedly in relation to a money-laundering probe.
Today the Cabinet said it “held a discussion on the international law challenges posed by the UK’s decision to arrest” Michael who was on official business at the time.
“The discussion centered around the immunities agreed-to by states, under the Geneva Convention on Diplomatic Immunities, which a Minister of any state may or may not enjoy, regardless of the size of the country, when entering or transiting the U.K. The Cabinet agreed to consult further on the issue,” said government Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst.
He did not provide further details about the discussion.
When Michael was arrested last month, questions were raised about a possible breach of the protocol governing diplomatic immunity.
Michael is the holder of an Antigua & Barbuda diplomatic passport.
