Dr. Aafia & family statements clash with extremists on all sides

mind-boggling graphic on family site paints clearly the harshness of Aafia's sentencing

From Dr. Aafia's brother in an Audio "recap" of the "facts and fiction" of the trial who closed his talk with the following:

"...we have to challenge each conviction. If the stakes are raised, there has to be a response:

'It has to be legal

'It has to be intelligent

'It has to be honorable

'And it has to be done with a dignity ... - especially for Muslims - that is the true legacy of our faith."

(Of course these principles should be true of us all)

To hear his entire talk and a transcription of the same GO here

To the various extremist groups and reporters (including US FOX news who have chosen to highlight reports somewhat parallel to FOX own of choosing revenge) be sure to note the various occasions where Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, her family and her many supporters have called for ongoing work on behalf of Aafia's freedom yet no mention of violent revenge. Dr. Aafia specifically asked also for forgiveness at end of her sentencing.

I want to leave this here for the weekend at the top for the record and for updated eye witness and other reports CLICK on the official family site here

BERMAN CONDEMNS Dr. AAFIA TO EIGHTY SIX YEARS (last edit, Friday, 24 September 2010 00:52)

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010: New York

After reading a long and cold statement, Judge Richard M. Berman callously said to Dr. Aafia : "I wish you the best" as he pronounced a sentence of Eighty Six (86) Years in prison.

She would be eligible for release in the year 2094 at age 122 if she lives that long.

Dr. Aafia, who was calm throughout the proceedings, asked that NO REVENGE OR VIOLENCE BE DONE IN HER NAME and she specifically FORGAVE Judge Berman while disagreeing with the trial and the charges and allegations against her. She also once again stated that she did not want the current legal team. However, she did preserve her right to appeal by saying that she would appeal but through lawyers of HER choosing if the US system would allow her to find a lawyer and not impose one on her or have the Pakistani government impose lawyers.

At the end of the hearing, when asked by the judge if she wanted to voice any objections she simply stated that there were so many that "we would be here all day" and suggested that it would be a short list if he asked her about what she agreed with. With this she managed to bring smiles to all in the court including the security officers and US Marshalls on an otherwise very tense day.
END

Here is one eye witness account by a highly-respected follower of this case found on the family official site and check back for more. GO here