Crime

As Fahie Demands His Release on Claim of Diplomatic Immunity, BVI Opposition Party Says He Should Immediately Resign

BVI Premier Andrew Fahie has demanded his release on the basis of diplomatic immunity, a principle of international law that provides foreign diplomats with a degree of protection from criminal or civil prosecution under the laws of the countries hosting them. Fahie was arrested on Thursday in Miami on charges related to conspiracy to import cocaine and money laundering. However, in a Monday filing the beleaguered premier argued that because he is the elected, constitutional head of the government of the British Virgin Islands, he is immune from prosecution on the cocaine-smuggling charges. Meanwhile in the BVI, Leader of the Opposition Marlon Penn wants to know why is Fahie still the Premier of the British Virgin Islands.   Although the local executive government hangs in the balance, Penn is calling on Acting Premier Natalio Wheatley to denounce the alleged actions of the Premier, and for Fahie himself to “resign out of respect for the people of the Virgin Islands and in recogniti...