US Urges Fair Legal Process for Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest
The United States government, in response to recent statements from Germany’s Foreign Office advocating for a fair trial for Arvind Kejriwal, has expressed its close monitoring of the reports surrounding the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister and opposition leader.
A State Department spokesperson conveyed to Reuters the importance of ensuring “a fair, transparent, and timely legal process” for Kejriwal, echoing Germany’s sentiments regarding the necessity of upholding democratic principles.
The Indian government reacted strongly to Germany’s stance, summoning the German envoy and labeling the remarks as “blatant interference in internal matters.”
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of judicial independence and criticized any perceived meddling in India’s legal system.
The State Department spokesperson, when questioned about India’s protest to Germany, referred Reuters to the German Foreign Ministry for further comment. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has yet to issue a response to the remarks made by the US State Department.
Last week, the Enforcement Directorate’s arrest of Kejriwal unfolded dramatically following a late-night raid at his residence, subsequent to a Delhi court’s refusal to grant protection from arrest.
He was detained for seven days by the central agency, linked to allegations of involvement in a liquor policy scam, just weeks before the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
The arrest sparked protests in Delhi, with opposition parties denouncing the agency’s actions. The BJP, accused of leveraging investigative agencies to target rivals, called for Kejriwal’s resignation and highlighted instances of him governing from jail.
Kejriwal was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, following his implication in the chargesheet filed in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
In response to Kejriwal’s arrest, a German Foreign Ministry official stressed his right to an unbiased trial and presumption of innocence, aligning with democratic values.
The Ministry of External Affairs criticized the interference in India’s judicial process, prompting the US State Department to refer inquiries to the German Foreign Ministry regarding discussions with India.
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The response underscores the diplomatic tensions arising from international scrutiny of India’s legal proceedings.
India Asserts Sovereignty: German Diplomat Summoned Over Kejriwal’s Arrest
The Indian protest against German observations on the arrest of Delhi’s Chief Minister signals the Modi government’s stance against external interference in internal affairs.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at the National University of Singapore, criticized the West for shaping narratives that impact global perceptions of countries. He emphasized contesting such narratives, asserting that India will challenge unwarranted remarks affecting its judicial process and democracy.
Before embarking on a three-nation visit, EAM Jaishankar directed officials to contest the German spokesperson’s comments on the arrest, dismissing them as interference in India’s internal affairs. Despite the German deputy chief of mission’s defense, the Ministry of External Affairs rebuffed the explanation, reiterating India’s sovereignty in judicial matters.
The Indian protest reflects the government’s commitment to repudiate external interference, especially as the country approaches a general election. The context of the protest underscores India’s firm stance against foreign meddling in its internal affairs.
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The query to the German spokesman was raised by a correspondent from Deutsche Welle, a state-funded broadcaster, akin to India’s Doordarshan questioning Germany’s actions. Additionally, recent instances, including a documentary by a Canadian state-funded broadcaster, highlight India’s concerns about external narratives.
India’s response underscores its assertive stance on global platforms, refusing to tolerate baseless accusations or interventions in its sovereignty.
This firm approach extends to various international engagements, signaling India’s readiness to challenge any perceived infringements on its autonomy.
