Pakistan softens on question of U.S. man's immunity

The official says the government will provide a court with documents that reflect that majority consensus later this week.

Supporters of Pakistani religious party Jamat-e-Islami raise their hands during a demonstration against Raymond Allen Davis, a U.S. consulate employee suspected in a shooting, in Lahore. File photo: AP.

A Pakistani official says most legal experts in the country’s law and foreign offices believe that an American held for shooting two Pakistanis has diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

The official says the government will provide a court with documents that reflect that majority consensus later this week.

The U.S. Embassy said it was looking into the matter on Tuesday.

The Pakistani official requested anonymity because of the subject’s sensitivity.

The U.S. says Davis shot two robbers in self—defence and that his detention is illegal under international agreements covering diplomats.

But Pakistani officials, mindful of widespread anti—American sentiment among their population, have delayed releasing him.