The Republic of Georgia made a rare, but legitimate move this weekend when it lifted diplomatic immunity for George Makharadze, the second-highest ranking representative in the Washington embassy.

Makharadze was arrested Saturday for his involvement in a Jan. 3 car crash that killed a 16-year-old girl in which he was allegedly drinking and speeding.

Officials originally could not charge him for involuntary manslaughter.

Although diplomats are issued immunity when serving as international ambassadors, they are not always respectful of a nation’s laws.

Some officials have gotten away with not paying thousands of dollars for parking fees because of their immunity.

Although Makharadze’s crime is much more serious, it gives reason to take note of situations that should not constitute immunity — such as a fatal car crash.

However, his situation should send an important message to diplomats and governments alike.

Besides expecting diplomats to follow the laws of a nation, governments should make sure they send officials who best represent them. This means diplomats should have the ability to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully in the public eye.

If diplomats are not able to do this, it could put a damper on their relations with the United States and other countries. Placing immunity on officials who act poorly presents a bad reflection of them and of nations that want to have good relations with them.

Only a few situations have had reason to waive diplomatic immunity of governing officials. However, these few situations give international governments a negative reflection because of the bad character of their individual representatives.

Waiving the diplomatic immunity of Makharadze was the right thing to do, but it still presents a bad reflection of the Republic of Georgia, and it could indirectly affect good relationships with nations where these relationships are so important to maintain.