The Aam Aadmi Party chief is currently in ED custody till March 28.
New Delhi:
India has called German comments on the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi liquor policy case “prejudicial and baseless” after saying it wanted it to apply “fundamental democratic principles” to ensure the arrest of the man Fair trial for imprisoned leaders.
At a press conference, the German Foreign Ministry was asked about Berlin’s stance on the arrest of the Delhi chief minister ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. In response to reporters’ questions, the spokesperson said that Germany has taken note of the matter.
“We note that India is a democracy. We assume and expect that standards related to judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will also apply in this case. Like anyone facing charges, Mr. Kejriwal is entitled to fairness and justice “During the trial, this includes his unrestricted access to all available legal avenues. The presumption of innocence is a core element of the rule of law and must apply to him,” he said.
India said these remarks “undermine the independence of the judiciary” and are “blatant interference in India’s internal affairs.” The foreign ministry summoned German envoy Georg Enzweiler to lodge a formal protest.
“We believe that such remarks interfere with our judicial process and undermine the independence of our judiciary.” India is a vibrant and strong democracy governed by the rule of law. As with all legal cases in this country and elsewhere in the democratic world, the law will take its own course on the current issue. Prejudicial assumptions made in this regard are baseless,” the MEA said in a statement after the meeting.
The Aam Aadmi Party chief has been accused by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of being the “main conspirator” of the now-defunct Delhi liquor policy, which was implemented by his government allegedly to obtain kickbacks from retailers and wholesalers. Mr Kejriwal was summoned nine times by investigating agencies before his arrest. He is currently in ER custody until March 28.
