US Calls for Immediate Release of Diplomat in Pakistan
The U.S. said Saturday that Raymond Davis, as a diplomat, has immunity from prosecution and was illegally detained in Lahore.
U.S. officials had not previously identified Davis or clarified his diplomatic status. An embassy news release from Islamabad Friday did not mention Davis's name, describing him only as a “staff member” of the U.S. consulate.
Davis appeared in court in Pakistan Friday on double murder charges, a day after he shot and killed the two Pakistanis in what he says was self-defense.
Pakistani authorities say the man told police he withdrew money from an ATM and was stopped at a traffic signal when two men on a motorcycle fired shots at his vehicle. The authorities say the American returned fire and alerted a separate U.S. security team. Both alleged attackers died in a hospital.
Pakistani authorities say a third Pakistani was killed during the incident when he was struck by a U.S. consulate vehicle that had rushed to the aid of the consular employee.
Pakistan's prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, told reporters Friday an investigation into the incident is continuing and that everything connected to the case should be done according to the law.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Thursday the U.S. will fully cooperate with any Pakistani investigation into the incident.
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