Dec 20, 2019

U.K. officials charge American diplomat’s wife for death of British teen

Fadel Allassan

The parents of Harry Dunn. — Charlotte Charles, the mother of Harry Dunn and father, Tim Dunn. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images

British officials are formally charging American Anne Sacoolas with "causing death by dangerous driving" in connection with the crash that killed teenager Harry Dunn in August, chief crown prosecutor Janine Smith announced on Friday.

The state of play: Sacoolas, the wife of a U.S. diplomat, invoked diplomatic immunity under international law and returned to the U.S. after police reports claimed that her vehicle struck 19-year-old Dunn's motorcycle when she drove on the wrong side of the road.

The U.S. has refused to waive immunity so far, but British officials say they have started the extradition process.

Why it matters: The saga has "sparked outrage in Britain, thrusting the concept of diplomatic immunity under the spotlight," the Washington Post writes.

What they're saying:

“The United States has been clear that, at the time the accident occurred, and for the duration of her stay in the UK, the driver in this case had status that conferred diplomatic immunities. The Foreign Secretary stated the same in Parliament.”

— The U.S. State Department to Sky News in a statement

“May I remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against Anne Sacoolas are now active and that she has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

— U.K. chief crown prosecutor Janine Smith

Go deeper: Harry Dunn's parents meet with Trump, decline to see suspect

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U.K. officials charge American diplomat’s wife for death of British teen

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