us-reiterates-stance-on-kejriwal-s-arrest-day-after-mea-summons-diplomat

Following India's summoning of acting deputy chief of mission Gloria Berbena over a US State Department official's comments on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, the US reaffirmed its position, emphasising support for fair and transparent legal processes.

 

During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated, "We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal."

 

Miller also addressed concerns regarding the freezing of Congress party bank accounts, stressing the importance of fair and timely legal processes in both instances.

 

However, Miller refrained from discussing private diplomatic conversations, stating, "We encourage fair, transparent, and timely legal processes. We don't think anyone should object to that."

 

The Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong protest during Berbena's meeting at its office in South Block, Delhi. 

 

The protest was in response to US remarks regarding Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money-laundering case linked to Delhi's now-defunct excise policy.

 

The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of Delhi's 2021–22 excise policy, which was subsequently scrapped.

 

Reports indicate that the State Department official expressed support for a fair legal process for Kejriwal.

 

The MEA had earlier criticised the US State Department spokesperson's remarks, asserting that casting doubt on India's legal processes was unwarranted and could set unhealthy precedents.

 

"In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in the case of fellow democracies," the MEA stated, emphasizing the commitment of India's independent judiciary to objective and timely outcomes.