India Objects, Summons US Diplomat Over Kejriwal’s Arrest
India has strongly objected to statements made by a US State Department spokeswoman concerning Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in relation to a purported liquor policy scandal. As before stressed by Germany’s Foreign Office, the Indian government emphasized the significance of protecting the legal rights of all citizens facing charges and guaranteeing a fair and impartial trial.
The US’s Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Gloria Berbena, was called by the External Affairs Ministry to a 40-minute meeting in Delhi in response to these objections. The Ministry issued a statement after the conference advising against creating “unhealthy precedents” and against casting “unwarranted aspersions” on India’s judicial system, which is built on an independent court dedicated to fair and prompt decisions.
In the meantime, the US pushed for a fair legal system and emphasized the significance of justice, openness, and promptness in Kejriwal’s legal processes. Germany also highlighted Kejriwal’s right to a fair trial, which prompted India’s Ministry of External Affairs to call George Enzweiler, the German embassy’s deputy head of mission, to formally voice their concerns.
The issue surrounding Kejriwal’s and his party colleagues’ arrests by the Enforcement Directorate includes the arrests of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, and former Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Read more:US Calls for Fair Legal Process Amid Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest Controversy
AAP said that in the run-up to the general election, the BJP-led national government was abusing its agencies to target opponents and dissidents. The BJP refuted these claims in response.
Kejriwal’s arrest is linked to allegations of corruption related to the excise policy case. His custody has been extended until March 28 by a Delhi court. The Enforcement Directorate alleges that the now-repealed liquor policy provided unreasonably high profit margins, with a portion allegedly used as bribes to fund the AAP’s election campaigns.
The ongoing legal proceedings have sparked intense debate and scrutiny within Indian political circles, highlighting the complexities and challenges of the country’s legal and political landscape.
Read more:Arvind Kejriwal Issues First Jail Directive: Can a Chief Minister Govern from Behind Bars?
