Pakistani Militants Deny Links With 'CIA Doctor'

Shakil Afridi

The Islamic militants accused by Pakistani authorities of conspiring with a doctor who helped the CIA find Osama bin Laden say they have nothing to do with the doctor -- and would in fact kill him if they had the chance.

Dr. Shakeel Afridi was sentenced to 33 years in prison last week.

Court documents revealed this week show he was sentenced not for setting up a fake vaccination campaign to help the U.S. locate bin Laden, but for having "close links" to Lashkar-e-Islam, known for kidnappings and extortion.

Members of the group said it was absurd to think the doctor had any link to the group.

U.S. forces killed bin Laden in a raid in the Pakistani town of Abottabad more than one year ago.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters