US to raise torture claims of its citizens in local custody with Pakistan

Washington, Feb.3 (ANI) : The US State Department has taken a serious note of allegations regarding the five American terror suspects, apprehended last year from Sargodha, being tortured by Pakistani agencies and is likely to raise the issue with Islamabad.

"We take seriously all reports of abuse and torture and will raise such allegations with the government of Pakistan," a statement issued by the department said.

"Consular officials visit the five detained US citizens regularly and will continue to visit the defendants as and when required. We cannot comment further because of privacy considerations," it added.

The five accused, who were arrested on charges of ties with terror groups linked with the Al-Qaeda, had pleaded innocence, and said that they were being 'set up' and tortured by the FBI and the Pakistani police.

They were to appear before a court in Sargodha on Tuesday (February 2), but the hearing has been postponed till February 15. (ANI)