US authorities dismiss reports of Davis'' misbehavior in prison

Rezaul H Laskar

Islamabad, Feb 15 (PTI) US authorities today dismissedreports in a section of the media that arrested Americanofficial Raymond Davis had misbehaved in prison and thatdiplomats visiting him in jail had acted rudely with staff.

US Consul General Carmela Conroy corroboratedstatements made by several prison officials who confirmed that"detained American diplomat Raymond Davis has behavedappropriately at all times during his incarceration", the USembassy said in a statement.

Conroy refuted reports in some Pakistani newspapersthat Davis and US officials visiting him in prison had "actedrudely", the statement said.

Conroy has visited Davis "regularly since his illegaldetention began on January 27", it said.

"I would like to commend prison staff for theirprofessionalism. Ray is being treated like a regular prisoner.

He has no access to a television, telephone, internet or anyother electronic devices, and cannot communicate directly withhis family," Conroy said.

"He is being held under the same conditions as aPakistani would be, in such a high-security facility. Hesleeps on a foam mattress on a concrete pad," she said.

Davis has "regular consular access visits" as allforeign prisoners are entitled to under international andPakistani law.

He has received "only basic clothing, groceries,medicine and toiletries", the statement said.

The embassy issued the statement after newspapers ofthe Nawa-e-Waqt group, known for their anti-US stance, carrieda report today that claimed Davis, arrested after he shot andkilled two men, had complained about the ''azaan'' or prayercall made on loudspeakers in Kot Lakhpat Jail.

The report also claimed that Davis had abusedprisoners.