Karachi: A group of U.S. human rights activists conducted a peaceful demonstration outside the FMC Carswell prison in Texas, advocating for the immediate release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani citizen currently incarcerated there. The protesters highlighted alleged abuses and demanded significant changes to her treatment.

According to Aafia Movement, the activists, including a notable number of women, assembled with banners and flags to call attention to the treatment of Dr. Siddiqui and to support the ongoing efforts of her sister, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui. They expressed solidarity with other global human rights causes, emphasizing the broader implications of injustice.

The demonstrators requested a third-party investigation into the reported sexual and physical abuse faced by Dr. Siddiqui at the facility. They stressed the need for her to practice her religion freely and to receive a comprehensive medical examination by a female Muslim physician outside of the prison system to address her PTSD and other health issues.

Moreover, the protesters demanded accountability for those responsible for Dr. Siddiqui’s alleged mistreatment and emphasized that it is a miscarriage of justice that contradicts her rights under the 18th amendment, which protects against cruel and unusual punishment. The demonstration called on the Pakistani government to take a more active role in seeking justice for Dr. Siddiqui, underscoring her rights as a Pakistani citizen.