UN envoy arrested over alleged rape released due to diplomatic immunity

A UN diplomat has evaded a rape charge in New York City because of diplomatic immunity.

At 11pm local time last Sunday, a woman accused Oliha of forcing his way into her apartment and raping her twice.

The woman alleged that earlier that day Oliha, who lives in the same building as her, followed her into her apartment unit and sexually assaulted her.

The woman reported the alleged attack to police after a friend urged her to do so. She went to New York-Presbyterian Hospital in the Washington Heights neighborhood to undergo a medical evaluation.

Officers took Oliha into police custody, but released him after verifying his diplomatic status.

City officials have said they are investigating Oliha, adding that the US state department has the ability to revoke diplomatic status.

Manning, a former sex crimes prosecutor, called for a thorough investigation into the allegations.

While crimes committed by diplomats are rare, diplomats have previously used their immunity status to evade prosecution.

Diplomat Hassan Salih was released by police in 2017 due to his immunity status after being arrested for groping a woman in a bar.