Washington
US Department of State spokesperson Mathew Miller faced scrutiny during a press briefing when questioned about the department’s stance on the arrest of Indian opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal compared to similar situations in Pakistan. Miller declined to lump both cases together, emphasizing the US’s desire for consistent adherence to the rule of law and human rights in Pakistan. Kejriwal’s arrest, related to alleged money laundering, prompted remarks from US, German, and UN envoys, drawing a response from Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who stressed respect for each country’s sovereignty and objected to external commentary on internal affairs. Last week, Miller noted US monitoring of Kejriwal’s arrest and the freezing of Congress party bank accounts, urging fair legal processes. India, proud of its democratic institutions, deemed such remarks unwarranted and unacceptable external interference. Prior, India protested Germany’s spokesperson’s comments on Kejriwal’s arrest. Kejriwal was remanded to judicial custody till April 15 in the alleged money laundering case. The Rouse Avenue Court issued this order on April 1.
