33 Years of Prison for Doctor Who Helped Find Bin Laden

Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor, has been sentenced to thirty-three years in prison by the Pakistani government. His crime? Aiding the US in locating Osama bin Laden.

"The doctor was never asked to spy on Pakistan. He was asked only to help locate al Qaeda terrorists, who threaten Pakistan and the US," said a senior U.S. official with knowledge of counterterrorism operations against al Qaeda in Pakistan. "He helped save Pakistani and American lives. His activities weren't treasonous, they were heroic and patriotic."

But Pakistan sees it differently. As tensions with the US increase, over drone strikes and other incidents, Pakistan is arresting various people who have helped the US in it's war on terror. Pakistani officials sentenced the doctor in a secret trial in the Khyber region.

The US State Department has been pressing for Dr. Afridi's release, since his arrest last year. They pledge to continue to do so until he is released.