KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Spain has revoked the diplomatic status of Afghanistan’s ambassador, Mohammad Rahim Peerzada, following allegations of sexual assault.
According to the Telegraph, Spanish authorities acted after members of the Afghan community filed complaints against Peerzada, who assumed the ambassador’s position in Madrid when the Taliban seized power in August 2021.
“This person does not represent any official delegation, is not accredited in Spain, and does not enjoy diplomatic immunity in our country,” Spain’s foreign ministry stated.
One female refugee, Anis (name retracted), accused Peerzada of drugging and raping her after meeting him at an embassy event in Madrid.
She told Die Welt newspaper that her drink had been spiked, and she woke up in a hotel room before being driven to a railway station.
Another Afghan woman in Spain alleged that Peerzada attempted to assault her at his apartment after inviting her under the pretext of discussing community issues.
Peerzada has denied all allegations.
Spain’s provincial court initially ruled in September that it could not investigate Peerzada due to his diplomatic immunity.
It remains unclear whether Spanish authorities will reopen the case following his loss of status.
German police have reportedly launched an investigation into similar claims.
