The UK-based Association of Pakistani origin Lawyers (APL) has announced its complete support to the campaign initiated by British parliamentarian Lord Nazir Ahmed to seek a fair trial of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
Chairman APL Barrister Amjad Malik Tuesday said that western media has blacked out Dr Siddiqui's conviction and reactions including reservations on trial which shows that it is always ready to rub under the carpet some of the worst human rights abuses when it comes to their national interest.
Chairman APL confirmed that the APL appreciates Lord Ahmed's stance on Dr Siddiqui's case and that the association will support any drive Lord Ahmed initiates to campaign and, and seek fair trial for Dr Siddiqui. It is strange that the neuroscientist was first labelled as no.7 on the wanted list of al Qaeda and later was charged and tried for minor criminal offences, and she never had the opportunity to wipe the stigma attached to her name being associated with the outfit, which in itself is a criminal offence, Barrister Malik observed.
The APL petition to the US leadership that the American government must consider withdrawing charges against Dr Siddiqui and her repatriation to Pakistan forthwith is just and based on equality and justice, he added. He further said Dr Siddiqui was left at the helms of a jury of 12 men from the victim community of 9/11 who could never have found her "not guilty" if there is overwhelming western media publicity that she is an associate of Osama Bin Laden.