US fears for double murder-accused Raymond Davis’ life in Pak prison

LAHORE - U.S. officials believe that Raymond Davis, an American national who murdered two Pakistani citizens in Lahore, is in serious danger - even from the guards at the prison where he now awaits his next court date on February 25.

Davis has confessed to shooting dead Mohammed Fahim and Faizan Haider on January 25, allegedly in self-defence. A third Pakistani was struck and killed by another vehicle that was reportedly racing to Davis’ aid.

Pakistani authorities have charged Davis with murder, but the Obama administration has insisted that he is an “administrative and technical official” attached to its Lahore consulate and has diplomatic immunity.

“Our first fear is that the sentiment of the street in Pakistan is, ‘Let’s take him and hang him’,” ABC News quoted a senior U.S. official, as saying.

A second U.S. official confirmed that even Pakistani officials are concerned for Davis’ safety in the prison.

According to the official, as many as three prisoners have been “murdered by guards” in the Lahore jail, which holds 4,000 inmates, many of whom are militants.

The 36-year-old is currently being held in a separate part of the jail for his safety, and his guards have had their guns taken away. His food is being tasted first by dogs to make sure it is not poisoned. (ANI)