By Chyung Eun-ju
Mexico has sent a diplomat back to Korea for a police investigation of alleged sexual harassment on a Korean employee.
The diplomat had previously tried to dodge an investigation, claiming immunity.
“The involved officer is in Korea with the willingness to cooperate with local authorities toward resolution of the case,” the Mexican Embassy said in a press statement Monday.
“Mexican authorities will monitor the situation closely in coordination with their Korean counterparts.”
On July 27, a female Korean-Paraguayan employee at the embassy filed a suit against the diplomat claiming he intentionally touched her thighs and buttocks several times.
After the suit was filed, Jongno Police Station requested the diplomat’s presence on Aug. 3. The diplomat said he would comply.
But he did not attend and left for Mexico on Aug. 4.
On Aug. 10, Korea’s foreign affairs ministry sent an official request for the Mexican embassy’s cooperation, highlighting Mexico’s obligation to follow Korean investigative laws.
A diplomatic source said that by not allowing the diplomat to claim immunity and sending him back to Korea, the embassy had shown a willingness to co-operate.