Pannun protected by US free speech law, for better or worse: US envoy Eric Garcetti

US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti weighed into the alleged assassination attempt on Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, saying that both India and US are working together in the investigation. He, however, asserted that a "red line" should not be crossed between the two countries.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Garcetti said, "When people do step over the line saying something will be bombed as opposed to saying somebody shouldn't fly. The United States freedom of speech, we want success for anybody if there's a criminal accusation to actually reach
the threshold that would have a successful outcome."

"Under our law, for an American citizen to be convicted in an American court or to be deported to have a criminal case in another country, it has to meet our law, and so we'll continue working. And if anybody ever says something that steps over that line, and I know it's gotten very close, we will be working together on that," he added.

Responding to repeated threats issued by Pannun against India, the US envoy said that America protects free speech for better or worse and that a citizen of the US can only be convicted according to the country's law.

Born on the outskirts of Amritsar, Pannun holds dual citizenship of the United States and Canada.

Last year, Pannun threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate on November 19. Following this, he also threatened an attack on the Indian Parliament on the anniversary of the Parliament attack on December 13.

Further referring to the ongoing investigation into the alleged plot to assassinate Pannun, Garcetti said that the fact that New Delhi and Washington are working together to hold those behind criminal action, shows how strong and close the India-US relationship currently
is.

Also read | 'Undeclared emergency, scared of Kejriwal': This is what INDIA bloc members said during rally