A German diplomat has been arrested in Brazil for allegedly killing his husband. According to police in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, the diplomat himself reported to local authorities and said his husband, who is from Belgium, had fallen ill and collapsed on Friday night. He sustained fatal head injuries.
However, investigations into the couple’s body and apartment in the chic beach district of Ipanema contradict this representation, explained Camila Lourenco from the Rio police on social media. Bruises were found on the body, including on the upper body, which may have come from kicks. There are also injuries that indicate “an attack with a cylindrical object”.
“The corpse is screaming out the circumstances of her death,” wrote Lourenco. Police posted photos on Instagram that appeared to show bloodstains on the floor and furniture in the couple’s home.
Local media reported that the German diplomat, who works at the consulate general in Rio, tried to clear tracks before police arrived. He also testified that his husband had recently been drinking a lot and taking sleeping pills. The German diplomat and his Belgian partner had reportedly been married for 20 years.
The Foreign Office in Berlin said on Sunday that the German Embassy in Brasília and the Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro were “in close contact” with the investigating Brazilian authorities. The ministry declined to comment on the details.
Brazilian media reported the suspect would not enjoy diplomatic immunity for such a serious crime. The police initially did not respond to a corresponding request.
