PADF Welcomes Dr Fai’s Release on Bond

Alexandria, VA : Muhammad Salim Akhtar , the Interim Executive Director of the Pakistan American Democratic Forum, who had flown in from Chicago , welcomed release of Dr  Fai. "This is a clear setback for the RAW-led Indian lobby," he said. Commenting on Fai's arrest, India's Home Secretary RK Singh had said: "Yes, his arrest was long overdue," the Press Trust of India had reported
As reported by the media "after the arguments by both the prosecution and defense, the judge set a bond of $100,000 for Fai, which is to be signed by his wife as the co-guarantor. Amongst conditions set by the judge, Fai will be placed under house arrest with an electronic monitoring device, and will not be allowed to leave the Washington area. Fai's wife has also been asked to surrender her passport to US authorities; Fai's passport is already with the USG.

"Fai has also been asked to not maintain any contact with any foreign government or witness.

"Speaking to the media after the court proceedings, Fai's lawyers handed out a statement prepared by Fai. According to the statement, ‘It has been my lifelong commitment to the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir , irrespective of their religious background and cultural affiliations to help achieve the right of self-determination to decide their future. God willing, I will continue to do that in days, weeks, months and years to come.’

"Fai was arrested earlier last month, and was working as the director of the Kashmiri American Council. He has been charged with not informing the US government that he was in the pay of the Pakistan government while lobbying for the Kashmir cause and donating funds to Congressmen. Fai's lawyers said that they have waived the 30-day speed trial option, and will, over the next few months, be studying the documents associated with the case."

The PADF has urged "the Pakistani community and all freedom-loving people" to remain fully engaged by staying informed of all the developments. "Beware, this is only the beginning of a long, drawn out, process," said the PADF President Dr Muhammad Ashraf Toor. Once again, he has called on community members to "donate generously" to the Dr Fai Legal Defense Fund.

 

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