Assignment:
A reputable newspaper in State Alpha recently published a story entitled “What goes on behind closed embassy doors”, reporting on private parties at the State Beta embassy in the capital of State Alpha, organised by the State Beta ambassador, for herself and her friends. In the newspaper article, State Alpha employees who work at the State Beta embassy testify anonymously that at these parties “mountains of cocaine and rivers of alcohol” are consumed, after which the ambassador and her guests drive themselves home. They add that they believe the cocaine is brought into State Alpha through the diplomatic bag.
The State Alpha president issues a press statement in which he says he wants to order an investigation and the arrest and prosecution of those engaged in this criminal activity but that he fears international law may prevent him from doing so.
Social media show that the public are absolutely outraged and a group of protesters gather outside the State Beta embassy. One protester throws a brick through an embassy window and another protester sprays “junkie” all over the embassy entrance with paint.
State Beta organises a press conference in which the president states that “there is no proof whatsoever that the accusations against the ambassador are true” and that “in accordance with international law, we will demand compensation from State Alpha for the damage caused to our embassy”.
The State Alpha prime minister holds a press conference in which he responds that “State Beta should be happy we are not kicking out their ambassador so if they think we are going to take responsibility for what private individuals have done, they can think again”.
In an attempt to put State Beta under pressure to recall their ambassador, a group of State Alpha citizens have abducted the ambassador’s son from his school and issued a statement that they will hold him hostage until State Beta agrees to recall their ambassador. State Beta does not want to negotiate with them but instead is considering using military force against State Alpha.
Address all the international law issues raised.