Myths
Which statement best describes diplomatic immunity?
A) It places diplomats above all laws
B) It protects diplomats from any form of punishment
C) It ensures the effective performance of diplomatic functions
D) It allows diplomats to act freely without restrictions
C) It ensures the effective performance of diplomatic functions
Which immunity BEST explains why diplomatic documents cannot be seized by the receiving state?
A) Criminal jurisdiction immunity
B) Functional immunity
C) Territorial immunity
D) Inviolability of diplomatic archives and documents
D) Inviolability of diplomatic archives and documents
In the Georgi Makharadze case (USA, 1997), a diplomat accredited in the United States caused a fatal traffic accident while driving under the influence.
How was it legally possible for the diplomat to be prosecuted in the United States?
A) Because diplomatic immunity never applies to traffic crimes
B) Because the host state decided to ignore diplomatic immunity
C) Because the sending state formally waived diplomatic immunity
D) Because the diplomat was acting in a private capacity
C) Because the sending state formally waived diplomatic immunity
Which actor has the legal authority to waive diplomatic immunity?
A) The receiving state
B) The sending state
C) The diplomat personally
D) The International Court of Justice
B) The sending state
Which article of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations establishes the inviolability of diplomats?
A) Article 22
B) Article 29
C) Article 31
D) Article 41
B) Article 29
Which of the following is a common misconception about diplomatic immunity?
A) It is granted for the benefit of individuals
B) It applies to accredited diplomats
C) It is regulated by international law
D) It is linked to diplomatic functions
A) It is granted for the benefit of individuals
In which situation is a diplomat MOST likely to be subject to civil jurisdiction in the receiving state?
A) Acts performed in official capacity
B) Private commercial activities unrelated to diplomatic functions
C) Official diplomatic correspondence
D) Acts protected by functional immunity
B) Private commercial activities unrelated to diplomatic functions
During the Iran Hostage Crisis (1979), the U.S. embassy in Tehran was seized and diplomats were taken hostage for several months.
Which obligation of the receiving state under international law was violated in this situation?
A) The obligation to grant asylum
B) The obligation to protect diplomats and diplomatic missions
C) The obligation to recognize the sending government
D) The obligation to compensate foreign nationals
B) The obligation to protect diplomats and diplomatic missions
According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), which obligation is MOST directly imposed on diplomats despite their immunities?
A) To comply with all domestic criminal procedures
B) To respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state
C) To submit to the civil jurisdiction of the receiving state
D) To waive immunity when requested
B) To respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state
A diplomat commits a crime outside official duties. Which statement is legally correct?
A) Immunity applies unless waived
B) The receiving state may prosecute immediately
C) Immunity applies only to civil cases
D) The diplomat loses immunity automatically
A) Immunity applies unless waived
What can a receiving state do if a diplomat commits a serious crime?
A) Arrest and imprison the diplomat
B) Put the diplomat on trial in domestic courts
C) Ignore the incident completely
D) Declare the diplomat persona non grata
D) Declare the diplomat persona non grata
Which type of immunity protects a diplomat from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state during the mission, regardless of whether the act is official or private?
A) Functional immunity (ratione materiae)
B) Personal immunity (ratione personae)
C) Consular immunity
D) Territorial immunity
B) Personal immunity (ratione personae)
In the Jamal Khashoggi case (Istanbul, 2018), a journalist was killed inside a foreign consulate.
Does diplomatic or consular immunity automatically apply in this situation?
A) Yes, because consulates are considered sovereign territory
B) Yes, because all acts committed inside foreign premises are immune
C) No, because consular premises are subject to only limited immunity
D) No, because journalists are never protected by immunity
C) No, because consular premises are subject to only limited immunity
Why is diplomatic immunity often criticized from a human rights perspective?
A) It may prevent access to justice for victims
B) It eliminates international responsibility
C) It applies only to diplomats
D) It strengthens state sovereignty
A) It may prevent access to justice for victims
Which person does NOT have full diplomatic immunity?
A) Ambassador
B) Diplomatic agent
C) Administrative and technical staff
D) Head of mission
C) Administrative and technical staff
Why is diplomatic immunity considered a functional protection rather than a personal privilege?
A) Because it applies only during private activities
B) Because it protects state sovereignty and diplomatic functions
C) Because it is granted by the diplomat’s home court
D) Because it removes all legal responsibility
B) Because it protects state sovereignty and diplomatic functions
Why does functional immunity often continue after a diplomat’s mission has ended?
A) Because official acts remain attributable to the sending state
B) Because immunity is based on nationality
C) Because former diplomats retain their rank
D) Because immunity is renewed automatically
A) Because official acts remain attributable to the sending state
In the Libyan Embassy Shooting case (UK, 1984), shots were fired from inside the Libyan embassy, killing a police officer outside.
Why could the host state not lawfully enter the embassy building?
A) Because diplomatic premises are inviolable under international law
B) Because the embassy requested diplomatic asylum
C) Because the sending state claimed self-defense
D) Because the crime occurred outside the host state’s territory
A) Because diplomatic premises are inviolable under international law
Which situation would MOST likely justify lifting or limiting diplomatic immunity?
A) Minor administrative violations
B) Political disagreement between states
C) Commission of serious violations and consent of the sending state
D) Media pressure in the receiving state
C) Commission of serious violations and consent of the sending state
What is the legal consequence if a receiving state declares a diplomat persona non grata?
A) The diplomat is prosecuted
B) Immunity is removed
C) The diplomat must leave or be recalled
D) The mission is terminated
C) The diplomat must leave or be recalled
Which statement correctly challenges the myth that “diplomats can commit crimes without consequences”?
A) Diplomatic immunity applies only to civil cases
B) Diplomats are immune everywhere and at all times
C) Sending states may waive immunity or prosecute their diplomats
D) International law prohibits any punishment of diplomats
C) Sending states may waive immunity or prosecute their diplomats
Why does diplomatic immunity from criminal jurisdiction not automatically shield diplomats from prosecution by international criminal courts?
A) Because diplomats are not subjects of international law
B) Because international criminal law overrides all immunity
C) Because serious international crimes are not legitimate state functions
D) Because immunity applies only to civil matters
C) Because serious international crimes are not legitimate state functions
In cases such as the assassination of Ambassador Andrei Karlov (Turkey) or Ambassador Chris Stevens (Libya), diplomats were killed while serving in the receiving state.
Which obligation of the receiving state under the Vienna Convention was breached?
A) The obligation to ensure criminal jurisdiction over serious crimes
B) The obligation to respect the inviolability of diplomatic premises
C) The obligation to prevent abuse of diplomatic privileges
D) The obligation to protect the person of the diplomat
D) The obligation to protect the person of the diplomat
Which principle BEST explains why diplomatic immunity requires the consent of the receiving state?
A) Territorial sovereignty
B) Reciprocity between states
C) Diplomatic courtesy
D) International criminal jurisdiction
B) Reciprocity between states
Which situation is NOT protected by diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention?
A) Official acts performed by a diplomat
B) Criminal acts during the mission
C) Civil claims related to official functions
D) Private commercial activities
D) Private commercial activities