Jailed Pakistani neuroscientist Dr. Aafia Siddiqui continues to suffer sexual assault at the Fort Worth, Texas jail, according to her attorney, Clive Stafford Smith.
The American counsel representing the Pakistani national, who is serving an 86-year sentence, reported that Siddiqui faces ongoing sexual harassment. This includes a recent incident two weeks ago when a security guard allegedly raped her as punishment.
After meeting with Dr. Aafia, Stafford Smith stated that the sexual abuse has not ceased and she continues to be subjected to physical harassment.
Smith recounted that during their meetings, he communicated with Dr. Aafia through a glass wall using a defective phone. Following a complaint to jail authorities, a new phone was provided after two days.
He added that during a visit from her sister, Dr. Fowzia, Dr. Aafia broke down. The prison authorities removed her, leaving Dr. Fowzia locked in a separate room for one-and-a-half hours, as jail officials forgot about her.
Aafia’s lawyer expressed hope of sharing her ordeal with the White House. He mentioned an upcoming visit to Washington but did not provide further details.
