The United States and Germany has joined the list of countries who want a fair, transparent, and timely legal process for Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of New Delhi.
Kejriwal was recently arrested by India's Enforcement Directorate. Kejriwal's detention has sparked widespread criticism, with accusations that it is part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent within the country.
The Modi government, facing mounting pressure ahead of state elections, stands accused of creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation to suppress opposition voices.
Kejriwal's arrest, coupled with the sealing of the Aam Aadmi Party's office, has only intensified concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in India.
A spokesperson for the United States emphasized the importance of justice in Kejriwal's case, stating, "We demand that India address Chief Minister Kejriwal's situation in accordance with principles of fairness." Similarly, the German Foreign Ministry urged India to handle Kejriwal's case with justice and transparency.
The arrest stems from allegations of money laundering, with one of Kejriwal's accusers hailing from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, critics highlight the irony of such accusations, given the BJP's own history of alleged illegal funding.
The Modi government's actions have raised concerns about pre-election rigging and the suppression of electoral rights for opposition parties. Calls for international intervention from the United States, European Union, and United Nations human rights organizations have grown louder, urging a concerted effort to uphold democratic principles in India.
