A Sudanese diplomat arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a female subway rider in New York has avoided being charged by claiming diplomatic immunity.
Mohammad Abdalla Ali, 49, who is a member of the Sudanese mission to the United Nations, was arrested after he was allegedly grinding against a woman on the subway on Monday.
Ali was arrested at the scene after the 38-year-old woman complained. But after he showed his diplomatic credentials, detectives were forced to release him.
The diplomat was taken to the Midtown South police station where he was charged with forcible touching and sexual abuse.
It is alleged Ali rubbed his crotch against the woman as the subway pulled out of Grand Central Station.
According to the Daily News the woman was approached from behind at 2 pm as the northbound No. 4 train entered the tunnel.
A source told the newspaper: 'There's not much you can do. He has diplomatic immunity.'
The US State Department told MailOnline: 'We are aware of allegations of a criminal act by a Sudanese diplomat that led to the involvement of the NYPD. We are in touch with the NYPD and the Mayor’s office so that we are able to take appropriate steps, as needed, to address this matter.'
MailOnline has approached the United Nations and the Sudanese delegation to the UN for a comment in connection with the allegations.
