Saturday, December 24, 2011

Aafia Siddiqui: Notice of Events and Newsletter



First, from a coalition of various political and social groups:

An emergency mobilization for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, and all other female prisoners suffering abuse in a federal institution that has a long, shameful record of violating the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee against “cruel and unusual punishment.”

While ALL ARE INVITED to join this urgently needed mobilization, we feel it is a special obligation on Muslim Men!

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS URGENTLY NEEDED MOBILIZATION

BY

1. HELPING US SPREAD THE WORD

2. PLANNING TO ATTEND

3. DONATE

You can mail a donation to:

The Peace Thru Justice Foundation
11006 Viers Mill Road
STE L-15, PMB 298
Silver Spring, MD. 20902

The event notices are provided as information and do not necessarily imply sponsorship or endorsement by the family or the FreeAafia campaign.

SEASON'S GREETINGS
From the Family of Dr. Aafia
December, 2011

Update on Aafia this Year End Season (2011)

In September, 2011 Aafia was finally allowed a family visit after almost 2-1/2 years. Then another one in early November. She was also finally allowed to meet with a lawyer of her choice. But almost immediately following her interaction with a non-government appointed lawyer, Aafia has now had her "privileges" suspended indefinitely.

What this means is that she is effectively not allowed any visitation from anyone except US or Pakistani government officials. No contact with family and a confiscation of all her meager "possessions" including all religious books and materials. She is also subjected to solitary confinement. Her health is deteriorating with serious concerns about her physical treatment based on last accounts. She is not allowed visits from independent physicians.

Yet, despite all of this, Aafia remains an inspiration and lives on in the hearts of those who have faith. We believe that even when everything looks bleak and one could be excused for feeling helpless, the help of God is nearer than we realize. We also believe that success will be the ultimate destiny for those who who have maintained the trust. The efforts of our supporters who believe in justice will not be in vain.

This holiday season we are thankful for Ahmad and Maryam. We pray for those at Carswell to be guided and have mercy. We wish for the happiness and safety of all our supporters. We pray for peace, justice and freedom to prevail throughout the world.

Family of Aafia Siddiqui

A Christmas Gift
by Andrew Purcell

Dec 21, 2011

Okay. I got my Christmas gift seven weeks early. A complete surprise considering it came directly from Aafia.

How did this happen?

She is too dangerous for me to be allowed to visit. Certainly doesn't have a lot of opportunity to go to the mall and shop.

During the first weekend of November I drove to Fort Worth with Aafia's brother. The prison officials would not confirm the visit. Come up and maybe, we'll see. He made the five hundred plus mile round trip expecting to be turned away. He was surprised that after some discussion they were allowed a four hour visit.

A good visit has a much different definition at Carswell Prison than it does in the real world, and this was not a good visit. When he got back to the hotel he proceeded to tell me about it.

In the middle of this he paused and said that Aafia had a question for me. She asked me to read books about Islam because she wanted to make sure that I go to Heaven.

This is the woman we are fighting for. Living through nearly nine years of hell and she is concerned about my soul.

As Christmas greetings go, this is not the traditional carols and a light snowfall on Christmas Eve, but I can't imagine many gifts that I will cherish more.

For more news and other items GO here

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