The recent arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has not only stirred domestic controversies but has also garnered international attention, particularly from the United States. In a recent statement, the US reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency and impartiality in legal processes.
India Summons US Diplomat Over Kejriwal Arrest, US Stresses Impartial Legal Processes
The Indian government, in response to the diplomatic interest surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest, summoned a senior American diplomat, expressing strong opposition to the stance taken by the US. Despite India’s firm stance, the spokesperson for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, emphasized that the US is closely monitoring these developments with a keen eye for detail. Furthermore, he reiterated the US’s stance in favor of impartial and transparent legal proceedings.
Following the request to a senior American diplomat to advocate for transparent and impartial legal processes, the US reaffirmed its belief that there should be no objections to such measures. During a press briefing at the US State Department, Matthew Miller emphasized, “We will continue to closely monitor these actions, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, with precision.”
Additionally, during the press conference, Gloria Barbena, Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in New Delhi, was questioned by Indian officials regarding the freezing of bank accounts belonging to members of the Congress party. Responding to these queries, Barbena stated, “We are aware of the allegations against the Congress party, wherein tax authorities have frozen certain bank accounts in a manner that could potentially affect effective campaigning in upcoming elections. We advocate for impartial, transparent, and timely legal processes for each of these issues.”
India Protests US Advocacy for Transparent Legal Processes Amid Kejriwal Arrest Controversy
Matthew Miller further clarified, “Regarding your first question, I am not going to discuss private diplomatic conversations, but what we have publicly stated, I have reiterated here, that we advocate for impartial, transparent, and timely legal processes. We believe there should be no objections to this. We will make that clear in private as well.”
India’s response to the comments made by the US State Department resulted in a strong protest and opposition to the stance taken by the US. Indian officials from the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Gloria Barbena, Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy, to the South Block office. The meeting lasted for more than 30 minutes. It’s worth noting that Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21, sparking a flurry of reactions both domestically and internationally.
The diplomatic exchange between India and the US underscores the significance of Kejriwal’s arrest beyond national borders. As the situation unfolds, the international community will continue to observe closely, emphasizing the importance of upholding principles of transparency and impartiality in legal proceedings.