Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is a Pakistani neuroscientist who gained international attention due to her controversial arrest, trial, and imprisonment in the United States. Born on March 2, 1972, in Karachi, Pakistan, she moved to the United States in the early 1990s, where she earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Brandeis University. Known for her academic brilliance and devout Islamic beliefs, Siddiqui was an active member of her community during her time in the U.S.

Arrest and Controversy

Dr. Siddiqui's case is deeply tied to the post-9/11 global security environment and the "War on Terror." She was arrested in Ghazni, Afghanistan, in 2008, under allegations of being linked to Al-Qaeda. During her detention, U.S. officials claimed she attempted to shoot American personnel with a rifle while in custody—a charge she denied. In 2010, a U.S. federal court convicted her of attempted murder and assault, sentencing her to 86 years in prison.

Allegations of Wrongful Imprisonment

Her conviction has been a source of significant controversy, with human rights activists, legal experts, and political figures raising concerns about the fairness of her trial. Activists argue that the evidence against her was insufficient and that her imprisonment was politically motivated. Many also allege that she was abducted years earlier, in 2003, and secretly detained at a U.S. black site before her formal arrest.

The Pakistani government and various advocacy groups have repeatedly called for her release, labeling her as a victim of an unjust system.

Current Imprisonment

Dr. Siddiqui is currently held at the Federal Medical Center, Carswell, a facility in Texas known for housing female inmates with medical and mental health needs. Reports of her mistreatment in prison have fueled further outrage among her supporters. Recent reports indicate that she has been denied access to an imam for spiritual support, which activists describe as a violation of her religious and human rights.

Global Reaction

Dr. Siddiqui's case remains a rallying point for human rights advocates and Islamic organizations worldwide. Demonstrations demanding her release have been held in Pakistan and several other countries, with her case becoming a symbol of perceived injustices during the "War on Terror."

The U.S. government has consistently defended her conviction, while the Pakistani government continues to face domestic pressure to secure her repatriation.