[wvns] STATEMENT OF FAMILY OF DR. AAFIA SIDDIQUI

STATEMENT OF FAMILY OF DR. AAFIA SIDDIQUI

January 25, 2010, New York, NY - International Justice Network attorneys have been monitoring the trial of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, which began on January 19, and continues this week in U.S. Federal Court in the Southern District of New York.

Tina M. Foster, Executive Director the International Justice Network and spokesperson for Muhammad Siddiqui, Aafia's brother, issued the following statement today on behalf of her U.S.-based family:

Given what we have observed during the trial, we are very concerned about our sister Aafia's emotional and physical health. It is clear to us that she is extremely depressed, and her outbursts in the courtroom reveal that she has been traumatized by her past ordeal and current treatment. She, like the rest of our family, continues to be distraught over the safety of her two young children who have been kidnapped and missing since her initial arrest.

The Aafia whom we see in this courtroom now, is not the same rational and focused Aafia who we know and love. It is clear to us that her frail emotional condition is deteriorating due to the pressure of humiliating daily strip searches that she must submit to daily, in order to attend the trial she does not want to attend. She has repeatedly asked to remain in her cell during the trial proceedings, a request which the judge continues to deny.

Despite the fact that both the prosecution and the defense agree that Dr. Aafia need not be physically present, today, once again, the judge forced her to attend court. When the U.S. government agent that shot her was called to the courtroom, our sister became upset and once again was ordered to be removed from the courtroom. All of this is happening in front of the jury who will decide her fate. We ask Judge Berman to have mercy on our sister, who has been through enough pain, suffering, and indignities throughout the past year and half while in U.S. custody. She should not be continually forced to attend against her will, only to be upset by the proceedings and thrown out each day in the presence of the jury which will compromise her ability to receive a fair trial.

Stand for humane treatment and stand against injustice! Standing for Dr. Aafia brings light to all missing persons, victims of extraordinary rendition and people held in secret prisons. It sends the message that all human beings, especially - our sisters - Muslim women have rights!

God Bless,

The Free Dr. Aafia Campaign

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