News
Saturday, September 25, 2010
US rights group calls Aafia’s sentence ‘unjust’
* International Justice Network says sentence not only unjust but also harsh
NEW YORK: A New York-based human rights group has condemned as “unfair and unjust” the 86-year prison sentence handed down to Dr Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistan neuroscientist, saying she had never caused harm to anyone.
“This sentence is not only unjust because of its harshness to Aafia – but also because of its impact on her two children in Pakistan who may never see their mother again,” the International Justice Network, attorneys for the Siddiqui’s family, said in a statement after Thursday’s tough sentence imposed by US District Judge Richard Berman.
“But the greatest injustice of all is that those who are responsible for the kidnapping, disappearance, and abuse of Aafia and her children without cause have yet to answer for their actions.
“While today’s sentence concludes a shameful chapter in US history, it is only a matter of time before the truth about what has been done to Aafia, her family, and the thousands of other innocents who have disappeared is revealed. Importantly, despite today’s sentence and all the injustices, which she has endured, Aafia has consistently made clear that she does not support any acts of violence being taken in her name,” the statement added.
“The International Justice Network stands in solidarity with the international community in condemning this unfair and unjust result in her case.”
In a four-hour sentencing session, Judge Berman repeatedly termed her acts premeditated. Her defence lawyers argued for a minimum sentence of 12 years, saying that she had been mentally ill.
Berman rejected that argument and said he increased the sentence because of several factors, including terrorist intent and motivation to commit a hate crime. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk