New Delhi: Amidst reactions from the US and Germany regarding the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, statements emphasizing the importance of fair legal processes have emerged from United Nations. A spokesperson for the UN voiced hopes for the protection of everyone’s rights in India.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed the desire for safeguarding political and civil rights, as well as ensuring a conducive environment for free and fair voting, especially in the context of ongoing elections.
Dujarric’s remarks came in response to inquiries about the political tensions in India following Kejriwal’s arrest and the freezing of Congress party’s bank accounts.
Despite objections from India and the summoning of its diplomat, the US reiterated its close monitoring of the situation and stressed the importance of fair and transparent legal processes.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted concerns regarding Kejriwal’s arrest and the alleged freezing of Congress party’s bank accounts, advocating for fairness in addressing these issues.
Similarly, Sebastian Fischer, spokesperson for Germany‘s foreign office, emphasized expectations for upholding judicial independence and democratic principles in the handling of the case.
This exchange marks the second instance within two weeks of India rebuffing US criticism, reiterating its stance on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as an internal matter.
Meanwhile, tensions between the German Foreign Ministry and the MEA resurface for the third time in three years, centering on judicial actions involving Indian opposition figures and civil society.