“We have taken note of the verdict of first instance against the Indian Opposition politician Rahul Gandhi as well as the suspension of his Parliamentary mandate. To our knowledge, Mr Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict,” Germany’s foreign ministry spokesperson said during a press briefing in the capital, Wednesday.
“It will then become clear whether this verdict will stand and whether the suspension of his mandate has any basis,” she added.
The spokesperson added that Germany expects that “standards of judicial independence and fundamental democratic principles” will apply in the case.
Earlier this week, the US said that it is watching the Rahul Gandhi case and they continue to engage with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression.
“Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we’re watching Mr Gandhi’s (Rahul Gandhi) case in Indian courts,” US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified last week as a Member of Lok Sabha (MP) from the date of his conviction in the criminal defamation case over his “Modi surname” remark. Rahul Gandhi was an MP from the seat of Wayanad in Kerala.
The Surat session court also sentenced him to two years in prison over the “casteist remark.” However, the court also granted bail immediately. The Congress, meanwhile, will shortly submit its plea for a stay of the order.
The objectionable statement, made in 2019 during an election rally at Kolar in Karnataka was: “how come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?” The criminal defamation charge was slapped by BJP MLA from Surat (West), Purnesh Modi.
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