Davis double-murder hearing adjourned until March 3 after he refuses to sign challan

LAHORE - A Pakistani court hearing in the trial of US official Raymond Davis in the double-murder case has been adjourned until March 3.

Pakistan put Davis on trial on Friday on charges of killing two Pakistani men- Faizan and Faheem- in Lahore on January 27.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Yousaf Ojla heard the case at Kot Lakhpat jail, as the court had ordered Davis’ trial in jail on the request of the Punjab Home Department, citing security concerns.

In the double murder case, there are 30 witnesses to the incident mentioned in the challan, who have recorded their statements with the police, the Dawn reports.

According to the challan, Davis opened fire from inside his car at Fahim and Faizan and then, after coming out of his vehicle, shot Faizan twice on his back. They said the accused later took some pictures of the deceased and called someone through a wireless set to retrieve him.

According to reports, Davis refused to sign the challan.

Before the hearing began, US Consul General in Lahore Carmela Conroy and other consulate officials met Davis in prison. Conroy also attended the trial.

The murder trial is the first of two legal cases involving Davis. On March 14, a Lahore court will decide whether he enjoys diplomatic immunity- another contentious issue that has soured relations between the United States and Pakistan.

“Davis case is not so simple as it is sometimes portrayed by some. It is a complex case involving issues in national and international law as well as grave sensitivities that cannot be wished away,” presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said.

“The court has not only taken cognisance of it but also declared that it will decide on the immunity issue. We respect the court and will wait for its verdict.” (ANI)