Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is more than just a name, she is a symbol of resilience and struggle. A gifted child and a dedicated scholar, she earned her PhD in neurosciences from Brandeis University, dreaming of revolutionising Pakistan’s education system. However, her life took a tragic turn in 2003 when she was kidnapped in Karachi along with her three children by intelligence agents who sold her to the U.S. government for a bounty.
For five long years, Aafia vanished from the world. When she reemerged in an American prison in Afghanistan in 2008, it sparked international outrage. The U.S. government accused her of attempting to murder American soldiers a charge she vehemently denies. Despite a lack of sufficient evidence, Aafia was unjustly sentenced to 86 years in prison. During her time in custody, she faced horrific treatment, including solitary confinement, torture and rape.
Her sister, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, has bravely shared their family’s harrowing experience. After Aafia’s disappearance, Fauzia lived in agony, waiting for any news. “It’s a miracle we are alive,” she said, reflecting on the years of uncertainty and fear. Although two of Aafia’s children have been returned, her son Sulaiman remains missing.
Dr. Fauzia recounted the chilling experiences they endured, including receiving threatening phone calls after speaking out. Aafia was known as “prisoner 650” in Bagram jail, where fellow inmates reported hearing her cries. An investigative journalist, Evon Bridley, confirmed that Aafia had suffered unimaginable torment.
Aafia was stripped of her clothes and she was told that she can only go to court after she will walk on the Quran (Muslim holy book), She refused.
Currently, Aafia’s family can only communicate with her through emails, as they long for the opportunity to speak with her via video calls. Dr. Fauzia has expressed her frustration, asking why Aafia, a citizen of Pakistan, is not being safeguarded.
On October 21, 2021, a wave of protesters gathered outside the Pakistan Consulate in New York, calling for Aafia’s immediate release. They chanted, “Free, Free Aafia!” in a powerful display of solidarity. The rally was organised by a coalition of over 20 local and national human rights groups.
Aafia’s story is not just her own, it resonates with countless individuals around the world who have faced injustice. Mosaab Sadeia, a young member of the Leadership Council of New York, has passionately spoken out about Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, describing her as a victim of the U.S. “war on terror.” He emphasises that her imprisonment is unjust and highlights the urgent need for justice in her case.
Recently, protesters raised serious concerns about the treatment Aafia has faced in prison. In July, she was reportedly attacked by another inmate with a mug of hot liquid, resulting in painful burns around her eyes and visible bruises on her arm. Her lawyer, Marwa Elbially, shared these troubling details, indicating that the injuries could have lasting effects.
The Bureau of Prisons acknowledged the incident but refrained from providing specifics, citing ongoing litigation and privacy concerns. A spokesperson stated, “We are aware of the reported incident, which is the subject of pending litigation. For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not discuss individual inmate conditions.”
A Daughter of the Nation
In Pakistan, Aafia’s case has united people across the political spectrum. In 2018, the Pakistani Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring her as the “Daughter of the Nation”.
Growing Support for Aafia’s Release
In the U.S., support for Aafia’s release is gaining momentum. Recently, the Boston chapter of United Steelworkers passed a resolution urging the U.S. government to free her and allow independent medical practitioners from Doctors Without Borders to assess her health. Stevan Kirschbaum, the union’s vice president, called Aafia’s case an egregious violation of human rights and stressed the need to raise awareness about her plight.
“This case shows how we can’t go anywhere on the globe and kidnap anyone,” he said, emphasizing the importance of justice and compassion.
Aafia Siddiqui’s story is one that resonates with many, and as calls for her release grow louder, it’s essential to continue shining a light on her situation. Together, we can advocate for her rights and work towards a more just future.
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