After Germany,US And Now United Nations Reacts to Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest
March 29, 2024
After statements from Germany and the United States regarding the arrest of Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the United Nations has now weighed in on the matter.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, was questioned about Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and the freezing of Congress party bank accounts.
In response, the spokesperson stated, “We hope that, like in any other country where elections are taking place, there will be protection of political and civil rights alongside the interests of all individuals in India.”
He further expressed the world’s hope that everyone would be able to vote in India’s parliamentary elections in a free and impartial environment. Kamal Sibal, former Foreign Secretary of India, who served as an ambassador in several countries including Turkey, France, and Russia, has highlighted the United Nations’ commentary related to Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.
Taking to the social media platform X, he wrote, “Does the external support Kejriwal is receiving say something? The United Nations Charter prohibits interference in the internal affairs of member states, but the UN office itself is violating it. The UN has lost all credibility in any matter.”
United Nations has commented twice on Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest
Prior to this, America has commented twice on Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and allegations of freezing opposition party Congress’ bank accounts before the elections.
A spokesperson for the US Department of State had stated on Monday that America is closely monitoring reports related to Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and stands firmly in favor of strengthening impartial legal processes.
Labeling the American Foreign Ministry’s statement as ‘unwelcome,’ India expressed strong opposition, and Gloria Barbeno, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in the US Embassy in India, was summoned.
Randeep Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, had said in a press conference on Thursday, “Yesterday, India expressed strong disapproval and objection to this statement in front of a senior officer of the American Embassy. The recent statement was unwelcome. In India, legal processes are governed by the rule of law.”
Responding to America’s political demands, the US Department of State spokesperson said, “We are aware of the allegations against the Congress party and that the tax department has frozen some of their bank accounts, making it challenging for them to campaign in the upcoming elections. We encourage impartial, transparent, and timely legal processes in all matters.”
Senior leaders of Congress, including Sonia Gandhi, held a press conference just last week, stating that the party’s funds worth Rs. 285 crore have been blocked due to mere allegations of a tax liability of just Rs. 14 lakh.
However, after American diplomats were summoned, questions were again raised regarding Kejriwal and Congress party bank accounts to the spokesperson of the US Department of State.
In response, Matthew Miller stated, “We are also aware of the allegations against the Congress party and that the tax department has frozen some of their bank accounts, making it challenging for them to campaign in the upcoming elections. We encourage impartial, transparent, and timely legal processes in all matters.”
After Germany,US And Now United Nations Reacts to Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest
Germany had also appealed for Arvind Kejriwal's
Earlier, Germany had also appealed for impartial hearings regarding Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry was asked about how they view the arrest of a prominent opposition leader and Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, before the elections in India.
In response, the spokesperson said, “We are informed about this matter. India is a democratic country. We believe and hope that the principles of the judiciary’s independence and basic democratic principles will also be applied in this case.”
He stated, “Like any other person facing allegations, Kejriwal is also entitled to a fair trial. It is also that he should be able to use all available legal channels without any restrictions.”
Following this comment, India expressed its displeasure with the German Embassy’s Deputy Chief, George Anjwiler.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement, saying, “We view such comments as interference in our legal process and a weakening of our judiciary’s independence. Like India and other democratic countries, the law operates in India. All biased assumptions made in this regard are highly inappropriate.”
However, Germany has now shown some leniency. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry stated on Wednesday that they are deeply interested in cooperation with India and are eager to work in an environment filled with mutual trust.
Foreign Ministry said, “We consider such comments to undermine our legal and judicial independence. India is a vibrant and robust democracy governed by the rule of law. As in all legal matters in India and other democratic countries, the law will function. All such biased assumptions are highly inappropriate.”
After Germany,US And Now United Nations Reacts to Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest