WASHINGTON: The US stated Monday it responds to “obviously unfounded” situations. But Imran Khan’s Toshakhana case arrest was not one of them.
During a Washington news briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller asked many questions about the PTI chief’s detention.
“We believe that is an internal matter for Pakistan, and we continue to call for the respect of democratic principles. As well as human rights, and rule of law in Pakistan, as we do around the world,” he said.
The official had previously stated that the US considers Khan’s case is a Pakistani concern.
A journalist then pressed the State Department spokeswoman. He wondered if Khan’s criticism of the US caused the tepid response.
Miller replied, “I think our response to this arrest and his previous arrests have been consistent at all times. In declaring it an internal matter for Pakistan.”
Comparison with Alexei Navalny
The interviewer then inquired how Khan’s arrest differed from Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s 20-year prison sentence. The US labelled it a “unjust trial”.
“So we believe at times there are cases that are so obviously unfounded that is — that the United States believes it should say something about the matter,” Miller said. We haven’t decided.”
The journalist informed Miller that the US responded to Navalny’s arrest. The spokeswoman said they respond when Russia clearly violates his human rights.
He then asked the speaker about Julian Assange, an Australian journalist who exposed US data in 2010 and is in London awaiting extradition.
“Is it, not Britain’s (or Australia’s) internal matter?” the journalist asked Miller. “He has clearly charged by the US Justice Department.”
“So other countries should say nothing?” the journalist questioned.
“We recognise the right of other countries to state their viewpoints on this and other subjects […] We accept their right to raise the subject, but we will also make plain our position that he was charged with very serious crimes that significantly endangered US national security.”
