WASHINGTON - The United States reacted sharply to the release on bail of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who is accused of plotting a 2008 militant assault in Mumbai that killed 166 people, stating it was “gravely” concerned and was considering what steps to take next.
Lakhvi was released from Adiala jail on Friday following the Lahore High Court’s dismissal of detention orders issued against him by the Okara DCO on March 14th.
State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said Washington had “communicated concern to senior Pakistani officials over the course of many months and as recently as Thursday.” “Terrorist attacks are an insult on the collective safety and security of all countries,” Rathke added.
Asked what steps the US planning to take, State Department Spokesman Jeff Rathke again underscored Washington’s concern, but said he could not specify them.
AFP adds: French President Francois Hollande told Indian PM Narendra Modi of his “indignation” after Pakistan freed Lakhvi. In a speech in Paris, Hollande thanked the prime minister for his “solidarity” over the attacks in the French capital in January. “In the same vein, I express to you my indignation each time that a terrorist is freed while he still has responsibility for an abominable act,” Hollande said.