LONDON : The UK-based Association of Pakistan Lawyers (APL) has flayed the conviction of Dr.Aafia Siddiqui by a New York court and said the neuro-scientist needs justice which is seen to be done.

Chairman, APL, Barrister Amjad Malik in a statement expressed apprehension that her conviction will affect relations between the two countries as well as people-to-people contact.

“USA is already making efforts to bridge the gap between the people of Pakistan and US Administration and Dr. Aafia’s conviction will wipe out all efforts and this decision seems to have dictated through fears than the facts and law,” he said.

Barrister Malik further said Dr Aafia is demonised as Al-Qaeda associate without substance of her association or affiliation and under the circumstances may never get a fair trial from the jury due to 9/11 event. The in-built prejudice against the perpetrators of these attacks makes it impossible to allow a fair hearing against any one who is alleged to be an associate. Though USA has failed to prove or at least bring it open the limits of her engagements.”

He stated that as has been witnessed in UK that many convictions were overturned by the court of appeal considering it either excessive or on narrow interpretation, and or due to fear of miscarriage of justice. Similarly, he said, APL feel that common sense will prevail at higher court(s) at appeal where the conviction may be quashed.

“In principles of law Dr Aafia should not have been at Bagram at first place, where she was detained as prisoner no.650 and there was no record, mention and or trial at a place of her kidnap, and or place of her first detention and there are allegation(s) of torture. Now either we know the half truth or the US authorities are concealing material facts from the court(s).”

Saying that the decision of a court of law must be respected, Barrister Malik said US legal system is able to dispense justice as seen in many cases and he was hopeful that the higher court will allow her a fair hearing on appeal.

SOURCE : App.com.pk

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