Name suppression for Malaysian diplomat accused of assault lifted

By admin-s Last updated Jul 1, 2014

(Newstalk ZB) – The foreign diplomat accused of sexually assaulting a Wellington woman before fleeing New Zealand can now be named.

He is Muhammad Ismail, who was working at the Malaysian High Commission in Brooklyn – the same suburb where he was arrested on May 9th.

Ismail was charged with burglary and assault with intent to rape a 21-year-old woman, but invoked his diplomatic immunity and was allowed to leave the country.

In the High Court at Wellington today, Justice David Collins granted a media appeal to lift his name suppression – in part, because of Malaysian media reports about the incident, and the Malaysian government’s plans to make a public statement at 4pm.

The lawyer representing media in court today says it’s a victory for free speech.

Robert Stewart says it’s a sensible decision with the judge recognising the grounds on which the original suppression order was made, no longer apply.

“And he’s also recognised that it appears the country of origin of this person is going to make a statement about the matter when that occurs, if that identifies him, the New Zealand media would be in a very difficult position.”