Aafia Siddiqui: 'Victim of all victims' | Part II | Centre Stage

Summary

The transcript details the case of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman serving an 86-year sentence in the US. Accused of being an Al-Qaeda operative, her lawyer, Clive Stafford Smith, disputes this and describes her as a victim of the US 'war on terror.' The narrative includes her alleged torture, a failed attempt to frame her as a suicide bomber, and her eventual conviction based on dubious evidence. The lawyer also discusses the horrendous conditions of her imprisonment and the fight for her release, highlighting the political and diplomatic challenges involved.

Takeaways

• 😣 Aria Sadiki, an American-Pakistani woman, was subjected to rendition and torture by the U.S. post-9/11.
• 🏢 She was serving an 86-year prison sentence, which was seen as a result of the U.S.'s war on terror.
• 👥 Her case was taken up by civil rights lawyer Clive Stafford Smith, who highlighted her plight.
• 👥 Her sister FIA's activism made Aria the most famous woman in Pakistan, despite global obscurity.
• 🚫 Aria was a 'ghost prisoner' until her release in 2008, which was not a simple liberation but part of a deeper conspiracy.
• 👶 Aria was reunited with her traumatized son, who was led to believe he was someone else.
• 🚌 A conspiracy theory suggests Aria was set up to be killed as a suicide bomber in Gazni.
• 👮‍♂️ A local man's intervention saved Aria from being shot by Afghan National Police, who suspected her of terrorism.
• 🔍 The FBI's involvement after her detention in Gazni led to her arrest and an unjust trial based on fabricated evidence.
• 🔒 Aria was sentenced to 86 years in FMC Carswell, a facility with a worse reputation than Guantanamo, where she continues to suffer.
• 💔 Aria's case exemplifies the injustices and abuses within the U.S. justice system, particularly towards those perceived as terrorists.

Q & A

Who is Aafia Siddiqui and what is her significance?

Aafia Siddiqui is an American-Pakistani woman who was subjected to rendition and torture by the US after the September 11 attacks. She is serving an 86-year prison sentence and is considered a high-profile figure in Pakistan, with her case becoming a point of tension between Pakistan and the US.

What happened to Aafia Siddiqui after her release in 2008?

After her release in 2008, Aafia Siddiqui was allegedly set up to be killed as a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. However, due to the intervention of a local tailor named Muhammad Azal Muhammadi, she was not killed and was instead detained by the Afghan National Police.

Why was Aafia Siddiqui shot in the stomach?

Aafia Siddiqui was shot in the stomach by an American soldier who claimed she had grabbed an M4 submachine gun and started shooting at the Americans. However, the evidence presented at her trial, including the lack of gunshot residue and shell casings, suggests that this did not happen as claimed.

What is the current situation of Aafia Siddiqui in FMC Carswell?

Aafia Siddiqui is currently held in FMC Carswell, a federal medical center that has a reputation worse than Guantanamo Bay. She has been subjected to solitary confinement, sexual abuse, and has received inadequate medical care for the trauma she has suffered.

What are the allegations of abuse Aafia Siddiqui has faced in FMC Carswell?

Aafia Siddiqui has alleged that she has been raped twice and subjected to various forms of sexual misconduct while in FMC Carswell. She has also reported receiving inadequate medical care and being kept in solitary confinement for over 14 years.

What is the role of Clive Stafford Smith in Aafia Siddiqui's case?

Clive Stafford Smith is a civil rights lawyer who has taken on Aafia Siddiqui's case. He has been investigating her claims, representing her in court, and advocating for her release and proper medical care.

What are the prospects for Aafia Siddiqui's release?

The prospects for Aafia Siddiqui's release involve a combination of legal challenges to her conviction and sentence, as well as political and diplomatic negotiations. Possible options include compassionate release, or a prisoner swap involving Shakil Afridi.

Why is it difficult to get justice for Aafia Siddiqui in the US?

It is difficult to get justice for Aafia Siddiqui in the US due to the post-9/11 legal environment, which makes it challenging for prisoners to be heard. Additionally, there are elements within Pakistan that may not want her released, fearing it could implicate them in her original rendition and torture.

What is the significance of the public opinion in Pakistan regarding Aafia Siddiqui's case?

The public opinion in Pakistan is significant because Aafia Siddiqui is considered a national figure and her case has become a symbol of resistance against perceived US injustice. This public sentiment could potentially influence diplomatic efforts for her release.

What is the role of Aafia Siddiqui's sister, FOWAD, in her case?

FOWAD, Aafia Siddiqui's sister, has been instrumental in raising awareness about her sister's case in Pakistan. She has led a movement that garnered significant public support, which could potentially play a role in diplomatic efforts for Aafia's release.