Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s Lawyer Reports Persistent Sexual Abuse in Texas Detention Facility
Clive Stafford Smith, the American attorney representing Dr Aafia Siddiqui, has disclosed distressing details about her continued ordeal of sexual harassment while incarcerated at a jail in Fort Worth, Texas.
According to Smith, a security guard raped Dr Aafia two weeks ago as a form of punishment, adding to the pattern of consistent physical harassment she faces.
Dr Aafia, a Pakistani neuroscientist, was indicted in September 2008 by a New York federal district court on charges of attempted murder and assault, stemming from an incident during an interview with US authorities in Ghazni, Afghanistan — charges she vehemently denies.
Despite her denial and significant public outcry, she was tried and convicted in early 2010 and sentenced to 86 years in prison, where she has remained since.
Smith, after meeting Dr Aafia in person, revealed that the sexual abuse has not ceased, and she continues to endure physical harassment.
During their conversation, Smith observed the difficulties they faced due to malfunctioning communication equipment, which forced them to shout through a glass wall.
He raised concerns with the jail authorities, resulting in the provision of a functioning phone after two days. Additionally, Dr Aafia’s sister, Dr Fowzia, experienced distressing circumstances during her visit, where Dr Aafia’s emotional state prompted tears.
However, prison authorities overlooked Dr Fowzia, leaving her locked in another room for one-and-a-half hours.
Despite these challenges, Smith expressed optimism about Dr Aafia’s potential release, citing progress in the case and upcoming meetings in Washington to brief White House officials.
While he refrained from disclosing specific names, Smith emphasized that efforts were underway to address Dr Aafia’s situation and advocate for her freedom.