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KW: I heard this story on the radio on Democracy Now! The part that made me saddest was that the family said that this woman probably has mental health issues such as post traumatic stress. And, she does not want to come to court everyday, because going involves a series of humiliating cavity searches. It seems like there should be a way to work out this problem, even if it means her attending by video hook-up.
I think that it is important that New Yorkers do not allow all the bad things that bad governments (including ours) do to people, to happen on our turf. I think ignoring problems like this is bad for us as human beings, as hosts, and as potential, future innocent victims of the war on terror. I hope people will hold this woman in their thoughts, consider attending court, or writing the judge to ask for compassion.
from Democracy Now!
Pakistani Suspect Alleges Torture on First Day of Trial
An American-educated Pakistani woman has gone on trial on charges of trying to kill US personnel in Afghanistan. Aafia Siddiqui is accused of trying to open fire on several FBI agents who had come to question her in Afghanistan. The FBI also says she had documents on making chemical bombs and a list of potential targets in the United States—but she’s only being charged for the shooting incident. Afghan witnesses say US personnel shot Siddiqui following a misunderstanding that saw her initially asking them for help. Siddiqui herself was the only person shot during the incident with the agents…/blockquote>
Democracy Now! notes that a lot of the local, NY press is firing up the government-fear-mongering aspects of the story.
A somewhat better, more detailed story is at TIME is: here.
The Free Aafia website, where her family gives updates on court is: here.
Filed under: local, News, politics, progressive politics, US Politics Tagged: | aafia siddiqui, FBI, new york, Pakistan, Siddiqui, torture
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