Monday, April 29

After Germany And US, UN Responds To Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest

Edited by Fathimathu Shana

After US and Germany, UN responded to the question of the “political unrest” in India. Acknowledging the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and the freezing of the Congress’ bank accounts, UN said the “political and civil rights” of the people should be protected during the election in India and other countries.

United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at a press meet said that everyone’s right is protected in India as any other country having election, and everyone is able to “vote in an atmosphere that is free and fair”.

The Delhi CM was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on the Delhi liquor policy case, while only days are left for the Lok Sabha election. Kejriwal is currently under the custody of central probe agency.

The response follows the statement released by US and Germany regarding the issue. Spokesperson of US State Department Matthew Miller said they are “closely monitoring” the arrest of Kejriwal and are encouraging a “fair, transparent, and timely legal process”. Responding to the freezing of Congress party’s bank account, Miller said, “we are also aware of the Congress party’s allegations that tax authorities have frozen some of their bank accounts in a manner that will make it challenging to effectively campaign in the upcoming elections”.

India responded to the earlier comments of US on the issue by saying that Washington should be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of the country. The country also summoned acting US Deputy Ambassador Gloria Berbena in connection with the comment.

Few days before the US response, German Foreign Office commented on Kejriwal’s arrest, and stressed that the Delhi CM is entitled to  a fair and impartial trial. The Indian government had reacted strongly and summoned the German envoy, labeling their remark “blatant interference in internal matters”.