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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Widow of Pakistani kills herself

Associated Press

LAHORE, Pakistan – The wife of a Pakistani man shot and killed by a U.S. official committed suicide by eating rat poison Sunday, explaining before she died that she was driven to act by fears the American would be freed without trial, a doctor said.

The U.S. has demanded Pakistani authorities release the American, saying he shot and killed two armed men in self-defense when they attempted to rob him as he drove his car in the eastern city of Lahore. Raymond Davis was arrested Jan. 27, and the U.S. has said he has diplomatic immunity and is being illegally detained.

The shootings stoked anti-American sentiment in Pakistan, feelings that could be further inflamed by Shumaila Kanwal’s suicide. She died several hours after being rushed to a hospital, said the doctor who treated her.

“I do not expect any justice from this government,” Kanwal said in a statement recorded before she died. “That is why I want to kill myself.”

Kanwal also spoke to reporters after arriving at the hospital, saying “I want blood for blood.”