Activists of JI shout slogans against Raymond Davis during a protest rally in Karachi.—AFP

LAHORE: Hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Friday to demand the hangman's noose for a US official under arrest for double murder as police rejected his claim of self-defence.

A court on Friday ordered Raymond Davis to be held in prison for another 14 days, pending a legal battle over whether he has diplomatic immunity.

Washington says he is a diplomat and demands his immediate release.

Up to 500 people rallied outside the headquarters of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Lahore, shouting “Hang Davis,” “US terrorism in Pakistan unacceptable” and “Friends of America are traitors”.

In Karachi, activists from JI and its youth wing Pasban held two rallies, burning an American flag and chanting “Death to Davis, death to America”.

“We are deeply disappointed over threats by the US government,” senior JI leader Liaqat Baloch told the rally.

“The Raymond Davis incident has exposed the true face of America and has exposed Blackwater, which is behind bomb blasts on sacred Muslim places and shrines,” Baloch alleged.

Opinion

Editorial

Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...
Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...