The 86-year sentence of Dr Aafia Siddiqui is an outrage and a shameful act

The 86-year sentence of Dr Aafia Siddiqui is an outrage and a shameful act. This is why I shouted out in court, "Shame! Shame! Shame on this court!" as the judge declared his sentence. 

It is U.S. act of insult, intended to send a message of domination. The highly publicized trial of Dr Siddiqui is part of the demonization and criminalization of all Muslim people that U.S. institutions, including   courts,  media, police and military increasingly use to justify their criminal wars. It is part of the war on Afghanistan, Iraq, expanding into Pakistan and threatening Iran. 

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui declared again today the years of secret detention and torture. The court pretended ignorance and disbelief. 

The whole world knows that the U.S. government is responsible for the targeted assassinations, “disappearances” and secret detention of thousands of Muslims from Guantanamo to Bagram. This is hardly a state secret. It is debated and justified on a daily basis as part of the "War on Terror". 

The government of Pakistan could have demanded the repatriation of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. The kidnapping of a Pakistani citizen is an insult to the national sovereignty of Pakistan. But unfortunately the Pakistani government was complicit in this crime against Aafia Siddiqui, as they are also complicit in the drone attacks and disappearances. 

It is important that so many people waited in the long lines and triple security to fill the courtroom and the overflow rooms  again today to show their solidarity and support. The people of the world must continue to demand Freedom and Repatriation for our sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. 

Sara Flounders

International Action Center