HONG KONG - Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe is immune from prosecution for her alleged attack on a British photographer in Hong Kong, the government said yesterday.

HONG KONG - Zimbabwean first lady Grace Mugabe is immune from prosecution for her alleged attack on a British photographer in Hong Kong, the government said yesterday.

Richard Jones said Mugabe punched him in the face repeatedly when he was taking pictures of her near a luxury hotel on January 15 while he was on assignment.

Mugabe is exempt from prosecution under Chinese regulations on diplomatic immunity and privileges, Hong Kong's department of justice said in a statement.

"Grace Mugabe is not liable to arrest or detention, and enjoys immunity from criminal jurisdiction," the statement said.

Jones and The Sunday Times said they were upset by the statement. "If she came back to Hong Kong, is she allowed to attack people at will and walk away scot-free?" asked Michael Sheridan of The Sunday Times. He called the alleged attack on Jones "an unprovoked criminal assault on the press".

Law Yuk-kai, a director of Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor, questioned why Mugabe should enjoy immunity when she was not performing diplomatic duties.

"The journalist was doing his job, ensuring the public's right to know," Law said.

China has been criticised for supporting corrupt African regimes amid its growing presence in the continent.

The Zimbabwe embassy in Beijing was not available for comment. - Sapa-AP