Monday, 14 February 2011 The International Justice Network (IJN) is a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to survivors of human rights abuses. IJN represents the family of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, is a Pakistani mother of three who is currently serving an 86-year sentence in U.S. federal prison. IJN has spent the past fourteen months conducting in-depth research and monitoring developments in the Siddiqui case and has released this preliminary report of its findings. IJN's report, Aafia Siddiqui: Just the Facts, reveals shocking new evidence that contradicts official statements from governments of both Pakistan and the United States that Dr. Siddiqui was not detained in their custody prior to her arrest in Ghazni, Afghanistan in July 2008. IJN has obtained a secret audio recording of a senior Pakistani official who admits he was personally involved in the arrest of Dr. Siddiqui and her children in 2003. This account is corroborated by substantial documentary evidence and witness testimony, which all points to the same conclusion—that Dr. Siddiqui and her three children were initially arrested in March 2003 with the knowledge and cooperation of local authorities in Karachi, Pakistan, and subsequently interrogated by Pakistani military intelligence (ISI) as well as U.S. intelligence agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). For more than a year, IJN has urged the Government of Pakistan to demand the return of this "daughter of the nation" to her family in Pakistan. Now, more than ever, her fate rests in the Pakistani Government's hands. Regardless of whether any of the allegations against Dr. Siddiqui are true, or whether other grounds for her repatriation may exist, her return to Pakistan should be expedited by both governments on humanitarian grounds. Her mental and physical health has severely declined, and continues to deteriorate every day that she remains imprisoned. IJN urges both governments to take immediate action to bring Dr. Aafia Siddiqui home. More broadly, there can be little doubt that Dr. Siddiqui's repatriation to Pakistan from the United States would do a great deal to repair some of the damage done to the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. Until then, the International Justice Network will continue to expose the truth and seek justice for Dr. Siddiqui and the thousands of other prisoners who have been unjustly imprisoned as part of the U.S. government's "global war on terror." "You can't build a case on hate. You should build it on facts." --Dr. Aafia Siddiqui (Trial Testimony, January 28, 2010) Download the IJN report: Aafia Siddiqui: Just the Facts, the Translation of the Audio and a Short Video Clip of Aafia Siddiqui released by IJN here by Victoria Brittain A Counterpunch Special Report In 2003 an MIT-educated expert in children's learning patterns, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, disappeared with her three children in Pakistan. Was she, as the Americans said, an Al Qaeda operative who in 2008 eme... READ MORE... Translated by JFAC (Justice for Aafia Coalition)
"I've been given a few points to speak on which the people want clarification. The past 8 years since Aafia's abduction - and approximately 38 years of her life cannot be easily summarized in 10 or 15 minutes; however, I will try my best to give you a small portrait of who Aafia was, what she had wanted from life, what are the allegations against her, and where we stand to this day..." READ MORE... On 3rd February 2011, as we mark the first anniversary of Aafia's conviction, Aafia remains behind bars, severed from the world outside, prevented from any meaningful human contact, with her family and even her lawyers being denied access to her.
When Aafia was transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Centre in New York following her sentencing, to FMC Carswell, Texas, she was deprived of all the books and notes previously in her possession. JFAC are therefore requesting supporters to participate in our 'Books Beind Bars' campaign, to send Aafia reading material that may bring some small light and hope in the darkness of her prison cell. READ MORE... Since being moved to Carswell after her sentencing, Dr. Aafia has not been able to talk with any member of her family (except being allowed to leave one phone message) or allowed any visitation. READ MORE... Dr Ihtesham Sabri Event held to support Dr Aafia Siddiqui today (27th January 2011) organised by Dr.Ihtesham Sabri. Sponsored by the Justice for Aafia Coalition and Surrey Solicitors. The plight of the Pakistani neuroscientist, Dr Aafia Siddiqui, also known as the 'Daughter of Pakistan', was highlighted today in a very high profile press conference style event held in a prestigious Southall venue, TKC.
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