Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. US Calls for Immediate Release of Diplomat in Pakistan VOA News January 29, 2011 US consulate employee Raymond Davis is escorted by police and officials out of court after facing a judge in Lahore, Jan 28, 2011 Photo: REUTERS US consulate employee Raymond Davis is escorted by police and officials out of court after facing a judge in Lahore, Jan 28, 2011 The U.S. has demanded the immediate release of an American diplomat arrested in the shooting death of two Pakistani men. The U.S. said Saturday that Raymond Davis, as a diplomat, has immunity from prosecution and was illegally detained in Lahore.  U.S. officials had not previously identified Davis or clarified his diplomatic status. An embassy news release from Islamabad Friday did not mention Davis's name, describing him only as a "staff member" of the U.S. consulate. Davis appeared in court in Pakistan Friday on double murder charges, a day after he shot and killed the two Pakistanis in what he says was self-defense. The judge Thursday ordered the U.S. official to be held in custody for six days while police continue the investigation. Pakistani authorities say the man told police he withdrew money from an ATM and was stopped at a traffic signal when two men on a motorcycle fired shots at his vehicle. The authorities say the American returned fire and alerted a separate U.S. security team. Both alleged attackers died in a hospital. Pakistani authorities say a third Pakistani was killed during the incident when he was struck by a U.S. consulate vehicle that had rushed to the aid of the consular employee. Pakistan's prime minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani, told reporters Friday an investigation into the incident is continuing and that everything connected to the case should be done according to the law.  U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said Thursday the U.S. will fully cooperate with any Pakistani investigation into the incident. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .