Karachi, A peaceful protest organized by the Aafia Foundation America has highlighted the alleged torture and sexual assault of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani educationist imprisoned in the United States, outside the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas. The demonstrators, led by Maury Salakhan, Director of the Aafia Foundation America, called for Siddiqui’s release and that of all political prisoners, voicing grave concerns over her treatment and the apparent violation of Bureau of Prisons (BOP) regulations regarding her case.

According to Aafia Movement, the protest saw participation from human rights activists including Maury Salakhan, and athletes Narat Siddiqui, Farheen Siddiqui, and Salima Gul, among others. Salakhan detailed the injustices faced by Siddiqui during her 20-year incarceration, including reports of repeated abuse and torture. He emphasized that Siddiqui’s case has seen a blatant disregard for BOP rules, particularly highlighting restrictions placed on family communications, and described the 2023 meeting between Siddiqui and her sister, Dr. Fawzia Siddiqui, as a painful reunion after two decades.

The demonstration outside FMC Carswell Jail called attention to the plight of Siddiqui, often referred to as the “daughter of the nation” by her supporters, and shed light on the broader issue of the treatment of political prisoners. The event underscores the ongoing international concern for Siddiqui’s welfare and the legal and human rights implications of her case.