Islamabad:
A Pakistani court on Wednesday charged US national Raymond Davis on two counts of murder despite claims from Washington that the accused enjoyed diplomatic immunity.
Former special forces soldier, Davis, 36, was arrested in the eastern city of Lahore Jan 27 for allegedly shooting dead two motorcyclists in what he claimed was an act of self-defence.
Several US officials attended the hearing under tight security in Kot Lakhpat Jail, where Davis was indicted on Wednesday by trial court judge Mohammad Yousuf Ojla.
Asad Manzoor Butt, a lawyer representing the victims, said that the court was also expected to charge Davis for possession of an illegal weapon.
The indictment is a setback for US efforts to secure Davis' release. The case has strained relations between the US and Pakistan, allies in the fight against terrorism.