Saudi magnate’s UK divorce case raises a question of diplomatic immunity

The United Kingdom’s request to St Lucia to waive the diplomatic immunity granted to Saudi businessman Walid Bin Ahmed Juffali, while messy divorce proceedings continue in the High Court, has been rebuffed by the Caribbean island. In December, the UK authorities intervened in Juffali’s battle with ex-wife Christina Estrada, writing to ask that his diplomatic immunity – granted soon after the former Pirelli model launched proceedings, when Juffali was named St Lucia’s representative to the International Maritime Organisation– be waived. In the London court Estrada claimed Juffali is receiving treatment for cancer in a Swiss hospital. She is pursuing a property claim for a share of his fortune; at present she receives £70,000 ($100,622) per month from Juffali, who is reportedly worth $4bn.