Raymond Davis, a staff member of the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore killed two young Pakistani nationals on Mazang Chowk in Lahore. The incident was witnessed by many people and the accused was later handed over to police. The U.S. citizen opened fire on two motorcyclists and anther man was crushed by a U.S Consulate car, which came to rescue him.
The diplomats are provided immunity under the umbrella of Vienna Convention all over the world but there are cases when they were convicted. One of these incidents happened in U.S.A. in January 1997, when an Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia, Gueorgui Makharadze met an accident, which resulted in the killing of a sixteen-year-old girl in Washington. Alcohol was found in his blood while driving and U.S. government asked Georgian government to waive his immunity, which they did and he was convicted with the murder charges in U.S. courts and was sentenced seven to twenty-one years in prison.
It is obvious that the detained person in Lahore incident is not a diplomat but a staff member, who was armed and killed two men.
Police is giving different statements, first it was stated that the U.S. Citizen opened fire in self-defense, but the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Muhammad Aslam Tarin confirmed that all three deceased had no previous criminal records, adding that none of them had robbed or fired at the diplomat.
The U.S. Embassy seemed eager to cooperate in the beginning, because this incident resulted in the loss of three lives but today, in a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy, demanded the release of their citizen, and said that he is unlawfully held by the police.
According to the press release issued by U.S. Embassy after the incident, Raymond Davis was said to be a staff member.
Embassy Statement Regarding Lahore Incident
January 28, 2011
Islamabad – A staff member of the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore was involved in an incident yesterday that regrettably resulted in the loss of life. The U.S. Embassy is working with Pakistani authorities to determine the facts and work toward a resolution.
But another statement released today writes him a diplomat, who must not be detained as per Vienna Convention.
U.S. Embassy Calls for Release of American Diplomat
January 29, 2011
Islamabad – The United States Embassy in Pakistan calls for the immediate release of a U.S. diplomat unlawfully detained by authorities in Lahore.
The diplomat, assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, has a U.S. diplomatic passport and Pakistani visa valid until June 2012.
What has made the U.S. Embassy change its tone in the second press release? According to the Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Raymond Davis cannot be given immunity because he is not an official of U.S.Foreign Office but a part of technical and administrative staff of U.S. Embassy Islamabad.
The embassy was ready to hand over the driver and car yesterday, which was involved in the killing of the third man, but still it has not happen. Davis appeared before a judge in Lahore on Friday, January 28th and it seems that the Pakistani government is getting tough over this issue, which they should be. If Davis shot two men and is not a diplomat, then he should not be given immunity only because he is a U.S. citizen.
This post is dedicated to Abida : P
Nice write up, especially the referencing of Georgian diplomat.
Altaf Hussain has also asked US stance on this episode in comparison with Aafia sentencing, isn’t it quite amazing the man who murdered three Pakistani’s would / might be free against the woman who as per claim tried to kill is being sentenced for 75 years in prison in US. Let’s see how the right wingers PMLN passes this litmus test, though i already noticed they putting the investigation responsibilities on federal government.
Altaf’s stance is interesting but I dont think it will be taken seriously.
As far as PML-N is concerned, they would like to keep themselves away from any unpopular decision but as a matter of fact, they cannot distance themselves because they are the rulers of Punjab.
Interesting writeup. I am sure abida will be happy to read this. As for the incident well it happened at mazang which is at walking distance from my house. God really knows what actually happened though. I wonder why those young men had gun with holsters ……..
As far as I know, the young man has a gun with him and it was licensed. He used to carry a licensed weapon since last month, after his brother was murdered.
hmmm I wonder what actually happened. Thats the sad part. The Dust never settles for us to see the true incident. We all have to be content with different reports from different people and no one knows who speaks the truth.
Try him in court and Hang the fucker and lets sell tickets to the show. Pay-per-view deal even.
I like the idea of selling tickets.
Nice writeup but no one in power corridors got courage enough to challenge the supremacy of masters. Record of all the stake holders in power , PPP,ANP.MQM, PMLN , and ARMY with the so called opposition of JUI and PML Q helps to foresee the outcome.
A news agency claimed the release of Davis in few days. Lets see how they make it.
I’m so agree with you.
And it stain so bad one more time the image of “democratic government” of USA.
Where are the equality of rights? How can they ask to supress a law in their country in order to get someone charged with murder and after try to protect one of their people, accused of this same crime in another country, under this same law? And to make things worse, it’s clearly possible they are trying to fake an identity of diplomat to someone that probably isn’t. Everything it’s so incoherent!!
No wonder they are called imperialists!!!
Nothing new from the US side, they can support democracy as well as dictatorship only if it fulfills their needs. Who knows this better than Pakistanis : )
Well Mariam agreed with you 100% , That America advocates her own interests without any question of Monarchy , Democracy or military dictatorship . By the way its universal law of international relations. Just Pakistan is looking for classic love affairs and seems ready to sacrifice any thing rather everything .
Even our FRIENDSHIP with China is not actually a love-affair, that we usually portray it to be, is in accordance with the universal law of international relations.
USA isn’t an ally you know. or an enemy. Its a diplomat first and it needs to save it’s own backside before considering others. Each to his own in the end.
Whats wrong is wrong, but expecting a right decision especially favouring us is kinda too much. If it is done in our favour, it will be to promote the US’ justful image. If its done against us, its to appease the US folks back home. We don’t really mean much to it right now other than it’s image
I agree with you here and also like U.S, Pakistan should also do everything to save its citizens.
Great post. Just a couple of issues
1. You said: “The U.S. citizen opened fire on two motorcyclists and crushed another while trying to escape.”
As far as I recall, it was another person in another vehicle who crushed a guy while trying to follow Raymond Davis.
2. You said that Raymond is not diplomat.
How do you know that? Do you have any links which proof so?
I am from that camp of Pakistanis (mostly the ones living in the US I guess) who want Raymond to be released no matter what the evidence (or the lack of it) says. I don’t really have an opinion about the whole issue as things are too murky and its hard to know if the 2 murders were really in self-defense or if it was some other matter all together…
Thank you for correcting me in the beginning, I edited the post.
Well, these days we make sure the authenticity of the news by its source. I have given a link to a statement by foreign office, where they briefed the Home Department that Davis did not enter in the country of diplomatic visa but on business visa. And you can see the earlier press release issued by U.S Embassy where Davis was shown as a staff member, not a diplomat.
If he is not a diplomat and is proven guilty then I see no reason that he should be released.
A different take than what I used to hear
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First… I am so so so pissed off right now. I wish I could comment on this post at first. But my suckish net. And two thanks … one for finally writing AGAIN : p and second for the dedication : ) You are just too nice and sweet :)
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@ Write up. Well, first thing first… good research and you have raised some really valid and good points. And I have to admit the way you have compared the first two statements of the US, was rather smart.
I have always been “pro America” by the standards of Pakistan : D but even I was kinda taken aback at our Govt timid stance initially. I am kinda indifferent about the case in point.
At one hand, it is a golden chance for our govt to win the confidence of people by taking strong action against Raymond. Foreign office which has always been alleged for being the pet of the US… could have taken the matter in its own hands and this time should have shown US that if they provide us assistance doesn’t mean they can rule us, as our geographical position makes me their equal and that is not only in Afghanistan regard but also Iran and China.
Having said that, I doubt that some agent as trained as Raymond would have taken such drastic step without any reason. He was very smart and calm when he shot the motorcyclist. Plus I dont think he crushed anyone… in fact, he called the office after shooting the two on the motorcycle. Plus, if we see the situation of our country, where Americans are considered our enemies, and so many foreigners have been kidnapped and even executed, plus cities like Karachi, lahore etc are notorious for their crime rate and to add we shouldnt forget that killing the “kafirs” has become a fad and a route to heroism in our country, I tend to think about the credibility of the motorcyclists.
Quite a fix I am in.
Thanks for your much-waited comment and fix your internet ASAP :)
Raymond was VERY calm during the both killings and yes he did not crush the third, I am editing the post.
Even if you wont have told me that you are PRO-AMERICAN, I already knew that :) and I am glad that you are happy with Pakistani government being tough with Americans and so are most of the Pakistanis. It is unlikely that he will be executed but government is prolonging the case and taking a firm stand, which was unexpected. And it is a good way to make it clear for Americans that they are not free to do whatever they can in Pakistan as they think they are.
Nice observations :) US embassy rushed to issue their press releases. Both sides have actually confused the case. There are obvious contradictions in the statements coming from Lahore consulate, Islamabad embassy and the States department. Fauzia Wahab was used by the government to test the temperatures. This case has infact moved the experts of international law to scratch their heads.
Well…here we are. At a very obvious conclusion to the entire saga. Plus, the family is rumored to have settled the issue through Qisas and Diyat. I say let’s book those protesting Davis’ release under blasphemy act for ridiculing Sharia laws ;)
Anyway, the good thing is, at least we have come forth from a position of silent acquiescence to outspoken disapproval. Next time a US citizen is driving on our roads, he’d think twice before killing people.
Ye, finally the drama reached to an end and it was expected.
//I say let’s book those protesting Davis’ release under blasphemy act for ridiculing Sharia laws ;)
LOL – I wonder if we can do this : D
//Next time a US citizen is driving on our roads, he’d think twice before killing people.
Yes, I was discussing the same thing with my father the other day. They should keep in mind that people of Pakistan believe in quick justice, they should be afraid of lynching mob : P
I need the answer from my bastard government that we accept that Raymond gave “Diyet” and he can be release. But where is the punishment for him being a CIA agent? Where is my free judiciary? We gave the seat to Iftikhar Mohammad Choudhary and what he has done with us? He ruined our identity. I hate my government. May Allah curse on them. I hate arm forces too. They sold us and they are also sold.
Why was he released, we all know the answer and you are right, judiciary, army, politicians, all are same, we cannot find anyone better than the other.
Well, I believe protesters are justified in their act because Davis was not a mere murderer who had killed two persons at Qurtaba Chowk. In fact, he was a spy (that was even reported in US media). So, Deeyat and Qasas did not imply to him (although there are reservations for the law itself). Secondly, the way agreement was signed was even more suspicious. It was nothing but a manifestation of a drama that was already scripted by Pakistani security (including ISI) & political institutes.