Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy Frank Mutubila has filed an injunction restraining his estranged wife Evelyn from living with him and has asked the High Court to order his wife to leave Italy following the revocation of her diplomatic status by Government.
According to an affidavit in support of summons for interim injunction, Mr Mutubila said his wife’s continued stay in Italy is causing him great embarrassment, mental and emotional anguish.
He said his wife’s diplomatic status was revoked by Government and was recalled to Zambia but that she has since disregarded the directive, refused to leave Italy and the official residence.
“On account of the respondent’s unreasonable behaviour as set out in my initial petition for dissolution of marriage, as amended, I find it intolerable to continue sharing the official embassy residence in Italy with her as this causes me great embarrassment as well as mental and emotional anguish,” Mr Mutubila said.
He said his wife’s continued stay at the official embassy residence in Italy has negatively affected his reputation as well as that of Government, adding that he has urged her to return to Zambia to live in their matrimonial home in Kabulonga.
Mr Mutubila said he is aware that the doctorate programme being pursued by his wife is at research stage and that she can complete that aspect of her studies while in Zambia.
“The respondent’s repeated refusal to vacate the official embassy residence in Italy is baseless and aimed only at tarnishing my reputation while putting my position as ambassador at risk,” he said.
And Foreign Affairs permanent secretary George Zulu, in a letter addressed to Mrs Mutubila, said an ambassador is a diplomat of the highest rank, formally representing the head of State.
Mr Zulu said divorce petitions are private and that such matters should be handled quietly and confidentially to avoid causing embarrassment to the estranged couple but that the Mutubilas’ divorce is in the public domain through the media.
“Although the said divorce petition is still in preliminary stage, the marital dispute that has led to the unfortunate estrangement with your husband has been a subject of discussion in both mainstream and online media,” part of the letter reads.
Mr Zulu said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not embroil itself in the divorce petition but that he will take necessary action to protect the image, reputation and interests of the Zambian government.
He said he is not barred by law to revoke the diplomatic status granted to any person who has travelled to a mission station based on the relationship to the diplomat appointed by the president.
“I, therefore, wish to inform you that in order to protect the image, reputation and interests of the republic of Zambia, you are hereby directed to return to Zambia with immediate effect,” Mr Zulu said.
He warned Mrs Mutubila that should she fail to observe the directive, the Italian authorities will be requested to withdraw both her visa and recognition as diplomat and further that her stay in Italy will be at the discretion of the Italian immigration and security services.
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Mutubila Wants Wife Out Of Italy
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