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CIA contractor released from Pakistan
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March 17, 2011
Original URL: http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/CIA_contractor_released_from_Pakistan



Raymond Davis, a contractor for the , has been released from Pakistan
after a ruling by a Pakistani court. He was detained after killing two
citizens carrying weapons on January 27, 2011. Davis was freed after
agreements to pay "" as compensation for the two lives were handled. 

Blood money, defined as compensation paid by a murderer, is required
under .  CIA official  George Little said, "When issues arise, it's our
standing practice to work through them. That's the sign of a healthy
partnership—one that's vital to both countries." John Kerry, a
Massachusetts senator, said, "This was a very important and necessary
step for both of our countries to be able to maintain our relationship."

After the ruling, a group of protestors demonstrated against the release
in , and the United States government flew Davis out of the country.
Asad Manzoor Butt, the attorney for the victims, said that the money was
paid after hours of discussion with Americans.

According to a US official, the  will investigate the incident.
Anonymous sources said that Pakistan's government footed the bill,
although the United States may be required to pay them back. He
reportedly shot the two armed men as they attempted to steal from him in
Lahore. Davis was accused of two accounts of murder and carrying
unlawful weapons; the trial took place early Wednesday. The presence of
international operatives in Pakistan has angered many citizens,
resulting in protests around the country in the past weeks.

  said in , that the U.S. did not pay the compensation. After being
asked by reporters who or what paid the families of the victims, she
responded, "The families of the victims pardoned Mr. Davis and we're
grateful for their decision."

== Sources == 

* http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/pakistan-usa-clinton-idUSN1614821020110316
* http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703899704576204181382683262.html
* http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSgsW2H0YME149Uoebk7E15UGMww?docId=6ca8050f92594449baaee1f8319bc383



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