@Mr K - You see the general outrage, this is one of many homicidal cases where American diplomats were involved and have gone scout free on grounds of immunity ( never verified). Shouldn't astonish that none were tired but each nation was duly handed a letter of co-operation from US govt.
I would use the term " Festina Lente" which has not been followed by both US and Indian authorities.
I agree the labour laws of America should be respected and duly followed. When in Rome , do as Romans. Infact this should call a nation wide ponder on minimum labour wages in India. Therefore if Ms khobragade is found guilty on all accounts , she should be severely reprimanded by Indian govt considering here both Employer Vs Employee are Indians and a due trial was undergoing in Indian Court for the past few months.
What has been a tradition and a protocol in friendlier nations, the local govt lodges a compliant with the High Commission and the assigned officer is immediately transferred suspended by the native authorities especially in matters of visa/documentation fraud.
Another peculiar matter is the application of labour laws for Diplomats. I believe a good number of nations are free from practicing American norms as they enjoy exempt on diplomatic grounds. This is due to the economic factors of such countries. I don't think India falls under the category but it still doesn't take the ambiguity surrounding it.
In this particular case, I feel she has erred in procuring visa for the employee under false documentations but she has been involved in a heavy legal battle for the same back in India and her office did declare the maid as an abscounder. This does raise an eyebrow that US authorities were aware of the Indian court involvement so should have approached the Embassy to extend their displeasure and strictly asked for her immediate removal. Not an unseen precedent for a developed nation with a friendly ties.
Now where the attorney office I feel acted on haste is handcuffing a diplomat (not charged for homicidal cases) and conducting bodily search both heavily marked as uncalled behavior by Vienna Convention. Most of the sensible outrage is towards this action. It could have dealt with a lot more sensitivity and dignity considering the diplomatic ring to it.
I for one don't like when our Leaders , Actors make a hue and cry over the security checks, those are in absolute National interest. But again , should be a standardized procedure without any discrimination.
Now for US media , Indian reaction might be a little too loud. But consider the MEA office right now, they are bargaining for the release of a Capt jailed in Tongo ( pirate issues) and trying to punish the Italian Marines who murdered on Indian soil. The office is under fire and is shocked at how a friendly nation like US mistreated a diplomat over an issue which has been practiced by every nation. A quick idea about the wages American households in India or in other developing nations pay would give you a fair idea. Add the disbelief of mishandling the dignity of an "educated Indian Woman" , you have an honest call sheet.
Preet usually gets my respect especially when he sniffs all the inside trading cases but his name and his involvement has added to the eyeballs. I won't consider the US office so naive and not see the headlines which this partnership would create. So what was the main agenda behind all this?
If we go by latest bytes from US office , there is a shift in the tone and I see them back-paddling on this issue!
Time to give Vienna another call perhaps?
Debate Mansion
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Book Talk
