Diplomatic criminal immunity and its impact on international obligations to combat terrorism

Abstract

Diplomatic immunity is a legal barrier that represents a privilege granted by national or international legislators to certain individuals by virtue of their positions or status, exempting them from legal accountability. Terrorism, on the other hand, is the use of violence against civilians to spread terror among them. It is committed using dangerous criminal means, carried out by extremist groups or organized gangs, which may be financed domestically or abroad. Criminal immunity is one of the fundamental factors that enables diplomats to carry out their work effectively. On the other hand, the wrong choice of diplomats may be a cause of the spread of terrorism if the immunities they enjoy are exploited to support and assist terrorist groups. Therefore, there is a close relationship between the two, as the ideal application of diplomatic work will contribute to combating terrorism, while the opposite will be a cause of the spread of terrorism.