German embassy clarifies Nepal passport procurement case, Says no warning issued to Nepal

KATHMANDU: The German Embassy in Kathmandu has clarified that Germany has not issued any warning or diplomatic protest to Nepal over the ongoing passport procurement case, dismissing what it described as false or misleading reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media.

In an official statement posted on its verified social media page on Wednesday, the embassy said Germany fully respects Nepal’s ongoing judicial process and sought to clarify several diplomatic issues that it said had been misrepresented.

“We have seen a number of false or misleading reports about the passport procurement issue – so here are the facts,” the German Embassy stated.

Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires was invited, not summoned

Addressing reports concerning diplomatic communications between Germany and Nepal, the embassy clarified that Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires in Berlin was invited to a meeting at the German Federal Foreign Office rather than being summoned.

“Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires in Berlin was invited to a meeting at the German Federal Foreign Office – not summoned. It may sound like a small distinction, but in diplomacy, it matters,” the embassy said.

The clarification comes after media reports suggested that Germany had formally summoned Nepal’s envoy over the passport procurement controversy.

No protest note or warning issued

The embassy further stated that no protest note or any other official diplomatic document was handed over during the meeting.

It also categorically denied reports claiming Germany had warned Nepal about potential consequences arising from the court proceedings.

“No protest note or any other document was handed over.”

“No warning was given about possible consequences depending on the outcome of the proceedings.”

Germany respects Nepal’s judiciary

Reaffirming Germany’s longstanding diplomatic position, the embassy stressed that it respects the independence of Nepal’s judiciary and does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings.

“Germany fully respects the independence of the judiciary. In fact, it is a principle enshrined in our Constitution.”

“As a matter of principle, the Embassy does not comment on ongoing court proceedings, and we have not done so at any point in this case.”

Background of the passport procurement case

The clarification comes amid an ongoing corruption case related to Nepal’s electronic passport procurement process.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Department of Passports Director General Tirtha Raj Aryal, several other officials, two German companies, and their representatives, alleging irregularities in the passport printing procurement process.

The investigation intensified after discussions involving CIAA officials, representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the German Ambassador to Nepal, officials from the Department of Passports, and representatives of the two German companies involved in the procurement. The meeting had drawn criticism from some observers, who argued that inviting diplomatic representatives to discussions related to an ongoing investigation could raise questions regarding diplomatic protocol.

During the investigation, the CIAA detained seven individuals. Following preliminary hearings, the Special Court later ordered the release of all seven defendants, including Director General Aryal, on bail or on ordinary court attendance while judicial proceedings continue.

Embassy seeks to dispel misinformation

The German Embassy said its latest statement was intended to correct inaccurate reports regarding diplomatic engagement between Germany and Nepal in relation to the passport procurement case.

By clarifying that Nepal’s envoy was invited rather than summoned, that no protest note was delivered, and that no warning was issued, the embassy sought to distinguish routine diplomatic communication from formal diplomatic action.

The embassy also reiterated that Germany’s position remains unchanged: it respects the independence of Nepal’s judicial institutions and will refrain from commenting on ongoing court proceedings.