Germany Urges Judicial Independence and Democratic Values in Rahul Gandhi Case

Rahul Gandhi: Following Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as a Lok Sabha MP following his conviction in a defamation case, Germany stated on Wednesday that the "standards of judicial independence and essential democratic values" should apply in his case. Gandhi is the leader of the opposition Congress party. The government has "taken note of the judgement of first instance" against Rahul Gandhi and the "suspension of his parliamentary mandate," according to a representative for the German foreign ministry. This was the first comment on the Gandhi case made by Germany or any other European nation.

Rahul Gandhi has the right to appeal the decision

As far as we know, Rahul Gandhi has the right to appeal the decision. The validity of this decision and the reason for the suspension of his appointment will then be made apparent, the spokeswoman said in German during a routine press conference. The spokesperson's comments were broadcast on public television Deutsche Welle. "We expect that the requirements of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles will equally apply to the proceedings against Rahul Gandhi," she said.

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US is monitoring Gandhi's case in Indian courts

Indian authorities didn't respond right away. Gandhi, a member of parliament from Kerala's Wayanad seat, was expelled after being found guilty in a case involving comments he made regarding individuals with the surname Modi. During a 2019 election campaign rally in Karnataka, he had made the remarks. Gandhi is now free after posting bail. Following closely on the heels of US State Department deputy spokeswoman Vedant Patel's statement that the US is monitoring Gandhi's case in Indian courts, the spokesperson for the German foreign ministry made similar remarks.

US continues to emphasise the value of upholding democratic values

When asked whether Gandhi's expulsion from Parliament was consistent with democratic principles, Patel responded: "Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy. We're watching Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts, and we engage with the government of India on our shared commitment to democratic values, including…freedom of expression." According to Patel, the US continues to emphasise the value of upholding democratic values and the protection of human rights, such as the right to free speech, as "keys to building both our democracies."

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