A Pakistani judge has banned any move to hand over to US authorities an American government employee, who is under investigation for double murder.
Lahore High Court Chief Justice, Ijaz Ahmed Chaudhry, has ordered that Raymond Davis remain in prison until next week while Pakistani police investigate the shooting, AFP reported on Tuesday.
“I am restraining him (from being handed over to US authorities). Whether he has or does not have (diplomatic) immunity will be decided by the court,” ruled Chaudhry.
The judge has also ordered to put the US suspect’s name on the exit control list.
“An order is issued to put his name on the ECL (exit control list). The case is adjourned for 15 days,” Chaudhry added.
Hundreds of Pakistani demonstrators staged protests in the eastern city of Lahore on Monday, demanding the execution of the US consulate official who shot two Pakistani motorcyclists in broad daylight in Lahore on Friday.
Analysts say many questions have remained unanswered, including exactly what the American did at the US Embassy and why he was carrying a gun.
The lack of clarity has fueled media speculation he may have been a CIA agent or security contractor.
Visiting US congressmen on Monday asked Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to free Davis.
Pakistan’s police said the arrested US official was carrying a Beretta pistol illegally. Davis claims it was an act of self-defense.
The killing comes as anti-American sentiments are running high in the Asian country.
Source: Press TV