16June 2018
Boris Becker claims diplomatic immunity to avoid bankruptcy
Boris Becker claims diplomatic immunity to avoid bankruptcy
Former Wimbledon champions says he now wants to rebuild his life Click to followThe Independent Online ‘I have now asserted diplomatic immunity as I am in fact bound to do, in order to bring this farce to an end, so that I can start to rebuild my life.’ ( Getty )
Former world tennis number one Boris Becker has claimed diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings – citing his role as a sports attache to the Central African Republic.
Becker, who is a three-time Wimbledon champion, was appointed to the role in April and lawyers for the 50-year-old German lodged a claim asserting immunity in the High Court.
His position as attache to the European Union on sporting, cultural and humanitarian affairs is covered by the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Boris Becker’s son to sue politician over ‘little half-negro’ tweet
This means Becker cannot be subjected to any legal proceedings without the consent of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and his counterpart in Bangui, lawyers Sylvester Amiel Lewin and Horne said.
Becker was declared bankrupt in June 2017 by Registrar Christine Derrett, who recalled watching him play on Centre Court.
The bankruptcy application was made by private bankers Arbuthnot Latham & Co in connection with a judgment debt owed to them by Becker dating as far back as 2015.
Becker said: “The decision to commence bankruptcy proceedings against me was both unjustified and unjust. UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 1/50 14 June 2018 British singer Robbie Williams performs during the opening ceremony of the 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. REUTERS 2/50 13 June 2018 Prince Charles uses a power drill during a visit to the Owenkillew Community Centre in Gortin, as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. Getty 3/50 12 June 2018 England manager Gareth Southgate, his players and coaching staff pose for the official England squad photo ahead of traveling to the World Cup in Russia. The FA 4/50 11 June 2018 Play was suspended during the match between Lancashire and Essex as an Air Ambulance landed on the pitch after one of the spectators was taken ill on day three of the Specsavers County Championship, Division One match at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. 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“A bunch of anonymous and unaccountable bankers and bureaucrats pushed me into a completely unnecessary declaration of bankruptcy, which has inflicted a whole heap of damage on me, both commercially and professionally, and on those close to me.
“I have now asserted diplomatic immunity as I am in fact bound to do, in order to bring this farce to an end, so that I can start to rebuild my life.”
Press Association