US court finds Pak terror suspect Aafia guilty of all charges
By ANIThursday, February 4, 2010
NEW YORK - A Manhattan court here has declared Pakistani neuro-scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui guilty of two counts of attempted murder.
The 12-member jury heard the case for three days before declaring Siddiqui guilty as charged for firing on US officials in Afghanistan.
The prosecution described her as a would-be terrorist who had also plotted to bomb New York.
Tina Monshipour, an attorney for Aafia’s family, described the verdict as biased, and said the family would move to higher court.
“This verdict is being subject to an appeal. There were a lot of unfair decisions. She was portrayed as a terrorist even if there were no terrorism charges in this trial. This is one of those cases in which we see prejudice and bias invade the courtroom,” The Daily Times quoted Monshipour, as saying.
Reacting over the judgement, Aafia’s mother said: “This decision would be the beginning of the end for America.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan also reacted sharply to the court’s decision terming it as a ‘dismaying’ verdict.
“We are dismayed over the unexpected verdict of the jury in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case. The government of Pakistan made intense diplomatic and legal efforts on her behalf and will consult her family and the team of defence lawyers to determine the future course of action,” a statement issued by the Pakistani Embassy in Washington said. (ANI)
