NEW YORK, Feb 04(INP): The US federal district court here held Dr Aafia Siddiqui guilty of trying to kill American servicemen in Afghanistan.
According to details, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui(37), a Pakistani neuroscientist, was found guilty of attempted murder charges on all seven counts listed in the complaint against her. She was accused of being a would-be terrorist who in July 2008 grabbed a rifle at an Afghan police station where she was being interrogated and tried to gun down a group of US servicemen.
However, the jury did not find her guilty on any pre-meditated murder charge. According to her lawyer, Ms Siddiqui could be given a sentence of up to 35 years.
The federal district court in New York under the Judge Richard Berman and 11 other members of the jury conducted the hearing on the case for twelve days;where as eight women were members of the jury.
Nine witnesses were presented to the jury of whom six were present in the room at the time of shooting. American army Captain Schnieder and Afghan national police officer Bahsir were present during the case.
A lawyer fighting her case said that Aafia would appeal for a review of the verdict since the decision was unfair. He also said that there was no allegation on Aafia being linked to any act of terrorism however the jury tried to establish a connection between Aafia and terrorist organization.
Dr Aafia was present at the time of the verdict. She listened to the verdict with great fortitude. Also, her brother was present on the occasion
Aafia reacted violently to the verdict and said that the American system of justice is not fair.
After the jury left the room Aafia Siddiqui, who was inside, shouted: “I know this is not the verdict of American people, I know where it is coming from.”
Elaine Sharp, a defence attorney, came out of the court room to tell reporters that Ms Siddiqui had asked her to request the people of Pakistan to remain calm and that she has faith in the Almighty.
Charles Swift, the lead defence attorney, said after the verdict that “I have faith in American justice system. We will appeal the verdict. I completely disagree with the verdict given”.
On the other hand, the family members of Dr Afia Siddiqui said that that would not file an appeal of mercy for Dr Afia before the US court.
In her reaction to the verdict, Dr Fauzia Siddiqui, the sister of Dr Afia, said, "we are agreeing with the will of the Allah". "Allah wanted to show to the world that American justice system is weak and corrupt".
She said that “This is the beginning of the end for America”. Fauzia said that Government lawyer did not contacted her since the verdict has been announced. She said that "We prayed to Allah and thanked him."
To a question, she said, "I would have been satisfied by the government efforts if Aafia would have been here standing next to me since she is not here so I am not satisfied with the government." She also said that we continue our fight. Our morale is high”.
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