India Protests against Germany's remarks on Kejriwal: Interference on internal matter not welcomed

India Protests against Germany's remarks on Kejriwal: The External Affairs Ministry on Saturday expressed strong disappointment against the statement by the Foreign Office Spokesperson of Germany on the arrest of Delhi's CM, Arvind Kejriwal.

Sebastian Fischer, the spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry said "We have taken note, India is a democratic country. We assume and expect that the standards relating to independence of Judiciary and basic democratic principles will also be applied in this case. Like anyone facing accusations, Mr. Kejriwal is entitled to a fair and impartial trial, this includes he can make use of all available legal avenues without restrictions. The presumption of innocence is a central element of the rule of law and must apply to him."

India protested against Germany's remark

The Indian government in a press release issued on Saturday expressed protest against the statement by the German Foreign Ministry.

The German Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi was summoned on March 23 and was conveyed strong protest against the remarks of the spokesperson on internal affairs of India. The statement said that such remarks undermine the independence of our judiciary. Such remarks are unjustified.

The press release said that law will take its due course in the matter and that the interference by another country in the internal affairs of India is not justified.

The Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, George Enzweiler was called on by the ministry to express protest against the Germany's remark.

Press Release: GOI 

Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement directorate on March 21 after he ignored 9 summons by the federal agency. This is the first time a sitting Chief Minister was arrested in the country. Earlier CM's have resigned before being arrested. The Aam Admi party has been protesting against the action by ED ever since ED came to the house of Arvind Kejriwal to arrest him. The CM is arrested regarding Delhi Liquor excise policy scam.

Why is Germany taking notice?

As a sovereign independent nation, India secures all rights to undertake any lawful business in the country. As a foreign country, it does not look good for Germany to pay attention to the internal matters of India. As a matter of fact, Germany cannot in literal terms take any rigid action with rigid consequences in the ongoing Arvind Kejriwal case. Therefore, it does not serve any real good purpose for Germany to take notice of the situation in India regarding the matter unless Germany wants to prove that it has the autonomy to interfere in the internal matters of India.

Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal’s Wife Reads Out Message Amidst Arrest