Sudanese diplomat arrested in New York for groping woman called back to Khartoum

A Sudanese United Nations diplomat reportedly arrested in New York for groping a woman at a Manhattan bar has been recalled to Khartoum, according to the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman.

The spokesman, Ambassador Ghariballah al-Khidir, told Al Arabiya English that the diplomat, stationed at the Sudanese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, has returned to Khartoum to be investigated without commenting further.

“Will not comment on this issue at this stage, but the ministry is dealing with the issue as per our internal regulations,” al-Khidir said. “The ministry is conducting it’s investigations and the diplomat is currently in Kharotum,” he added.

On Oct. 9, the New York Daily News reported that a Sudanese diplomat was arrested after he groped a woman at a New York East Village bar.

The diplomat identified by the paper as Hassan Salih, 36, was apprehended after he attempted to evade police capture by running, officers told the paper.

The 23-year-old victim told police that Salih groped her at about 2:30 am on Oct. 8 at the bar and she informed security personnel who in turn contacted police.

Salih was detained and interviewed at New York City's 9th Precinct, the paper reported, and was able to prove during questioning that he was a diplomat, and because of immunity laws he was released.

source: Alarabiya