While a demarche was issued by the Indian Embassy in Berlin, the German Deputy Ambassador to India was summoned by MEA on Saturday to lodge a protest.
Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy, was summoned by the MEA for an explanation on the issue and a protest was lodged. In Berlin the Indian Embassy told the German Foreign Office that law is being followed in Kejriwal’s case.
“We see such remarks as interfering in our judicial process and undermining the independence of our judiciary. India is a vibrant and robust democrary with rule of law. As in all legal cases in the country, and elsewhere in the democratic world, law will take its own course in the instant matter. Biased assumptions made on this account are most unwarranted,” MEA spokesperson said.
The German foreign ministry, reacting to Kejriwal’s arrest, stated on Friday, “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.”
Sources in the Indian government had told ET on Friday that comments by the German ministry is interference in India’s internal matters. Sources said that the German Foreign Office comments are being guided by a section of their political leadership who espouses a certain political ideology.
