KARACHI: The Aafia Movement has declared that their campaign for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui will persist, despite the potential for a U.S. presidential pardon. This announcement was made by Muhammad Ayub, the Movement’s spokesman, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to securing Siddiqui’s freedom.
According to a statement by Aafia Movement, optimism remains high regarding Dr. Siddiqui’s eventual release. The Movement’s leader, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, recently visited her sister at FMC Carswell jail. During this visit, members of civil society held a peaceful demonstration outside the jail to show solidarity with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
Reports from Aafia Movement Media Cell indicate that Dr. Fowzia was accompanied by Aafia’s lawyer, Clive Smith, during the visit. Smith described the emotional reunion as heart-wrenching, given the freezing conditions and extensive waiting times due to bureaucratic procedures. Despite being allotted four hours, only two were spent in actual contact.
Dr. Fowzia expressed her disappointment over the meeting, though she remained grateful for the support of those advocating for her sister’s release. She acknowledged the large peaceful demonstration by civil society and the DFW community in Dallas, thanking them for their unwavering support.
Clive Smith, who attended the demonstration alongside Aafia Foundation USA’s Director of Operations Alhaj Mori Salakhan, stated that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release is inevitable, regardless of President Joe Biden’s decision on a pardon.
Dr. Asif Heerani, a resident scholar at the Islamic Association of Northern Texas, urged the Muslim community to continue advocating for Siddiqui’s release and to maintain communication with community leaders and Imams.