The Nation - News from Feb. 16, 1987
In an unprecedented move that could presage a narrower interpretation of diplomatic immunity, the State Department has asked federal authorities to prepare criminal charges against the ambassador from Papua New Guinea if a man critically injured in a traffic accident dies. A car driven by Ambassador Kiatro O. Abisinito, 32, struck a parked car occupied by two people, injuring Stephen E. Hagan, 26, police said in Washington. The diplomat’s car then hit three more cars and a brick wall. State Department officials and police said Abisinito showed signs of being intoxicated. The Washington Post quoted a federal prosecutor as saying that if Hagan dies, charges varying from negligent homicide to second-degree murder could be filed against Abisinito.
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