An additional district and sessions judge (AD&SJ) on Thursday rejected the application of US national Raymond Davis seeking diplomatic immunity from murder trial against him. The court held that the accused did not enjoy immunity as the required certificate by Foreign Ministry was not submitted.
AD&SJ Muhammad Yousaf Aujla was hearing the murder trial inside Kot Lakhpat Jail against Raymond Davis for killing two Pakistanis. Raymond Davis, on the last hearing, in an application pleaded the court to release him as he enjoyed diplomatic immunity. On Thursday, Raymond's counsel Zahid Hussain Bukhari submitted before the court that the accused enjoyed diplomatic immunity as he held diplomatic passport. He further told the court that the matter relating to immunity was pending before the Lahore High Court (LHC).
However, counsel for the complainants, Asad Manzoor Butt, opposed the application contending the certificate by Foreign Ministry required under Section 4 of Privileges Act was not submitted in this regard, therefore, the accused did not enjoy immunity and the court had jurisdiction to try him. After hearing both parties, the court rejected the application and observed that the accused did not enjoy any immunity, said Asad Manzoor Butt while talking to the media outside Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The court also held that it could proceed in the matter as the LHC had not issued any restraining order in this regard, Manzoor Butt said. Raymond's counsel further requested the court to provide necessary documents related to the challan. The court accepted the request and adjourned the matter until March 8. An official of the US Consulate in Lahore and bereaved families were also present on the occasion.
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