After US, now Germany backs Rahul Gandhi on disqualification

In its first reaction to Rahul Gandhi's disqualification as an MP following his conviction in a defamation case, Germany has said that it has taken note of the verdict of the first instance of suspension from Parliament of the Congress leader.

During a press briefing that was aired on the State-owned international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW), German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Annalena Baerbock said,''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, Rahul Gandhi is in a position to appeal the verdict. Appeal will show whether verdict stands & suspension has a basis. We expect standards of judicial independence & democratic principles to be applied,'' she added.

The 26-second video clip was shared by Richard Walker, chief international editor at DW News.

The German government's comments came after US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said that the US is watching Rahul Gandhi's case in Indian courts. ''Respect for the rule of law and judicial independence is a cornerstone of any democracy, and we're watching Gandhi's case in Indian courts,'' he said addressing a press briefing in Washington.

When asked whether Gandhi's expulsion from Parliament was consistent with democratic values, Patel responded saying that any democracy must uphold the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. The US engages with the Indian government on a shared commitment to democratic values, including freedom of expression, he added.

Congress MP Digvijaya Singh was quick to thank Germany for "taking note" of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Parliament. "Thank you German Foreign Affairs Ministry and Richard Walker for taking note of how the Democracy is being compromised in India through the persecution of @Rahul Gandhi (sic)," he tweeted.

On March 23, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was sentenced to two years in jail by a trial court in Gujarat's Surat in a 2019 criminal defamation case over his "why do all thieves have the Modi surname" remark which he made during an election campaign rally in Karnataka's Kolar district.