US asks Pakistan to release jailed doctor Afridi

October 24, 2013 02:18

The White House today asked Pakistan to release Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped the CIA track down Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

Afridi, who was arrested immediately after the May 2, 2011 operation by US commandos that killed bin Laden, was convicted for treason over alleged ties to the Lashkar-e-Islam terrorist group.

Moments before President Barack Obama was scheduled to meet visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his Oval Office, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that Obama would be pressing for Afridi's release arguing that his imprisonment is unjust and unwarranted.

"Our position on Dr Afridi has long been clear, and I'm sure we will again make it clear during this visit. We believe his treatment is both unjust and unwarranted. He should be released," Carney said in response to a question.

"Bringing Osama bin Laden to justice was clearly in Pakistan's interest, and the prosecution and conviction of Dr Afridi sends exactly the wrong message about the importance of this shared interest. So this is something that we have, in a sustained way, made clear to Pakistan and will continue to do so, including during this visit," Carney said.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

In Pictures - SRH seal dramatic win, edge past RR by 1 run

IMAGES from the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals played in Hyderabad on Thursday

Modi hails Rajputs, meets Jamnagar royal amid Kshatriya stir against Rupala

Ahead of his poll rally in Jamnagar on Thursday evening, Modi met Jam Saheb Shatrusalyasinhji at his residence in the city.

Selectors unconcerned with Kohli's IPL strike rate

While Kohli's experience is invaluable, Agarkar believes that there are enough power-hitters in the line-up if there are high-scoring games.

Coal India posts 26% rise in profit in Q4 on higher supplies

Coal behemoth CIL on Thursday reported a 26.2 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 8,682.20 crore for the March quarter on the back higher supplies of the dry fuel. The company's consolidated net profit stood at Rs 6,875.07...

Biden calls QUAD allies India, Japan along with China, Russia 'xenophobic'

Biden has been under attack from his opponents and the Republican Party for his immigration policies as hundreds and thousands of illegal immigrants enter the United States every month.