Justice for Aafia Coalition

As-Salaamu-Alaikum & Jummah Mubarak!

Most of us are already aware that Aafia Siddiqui was sentenced to 86 years in prison, after having already spent seven and a half years detained and abused in US custody. We have all felt a surge of emotions - we are united in our outrage and anger, both shocked and appalled, heartbroken and overwhelmed with tears.

The emotion we feel is justified, but Allah (swt) has honoured her and raised her rank through the tests she had endured. When we weep for Aafia we should be also weeping over ourselves'. We should be crying over whether we have an excuse before Allah, whether we have done anything or whether the little we've done has been sufficient.

We should be crying over the day she was sentenced when:

Her blood brother who was present in court was not even allowed to meet her so that he could embrace her one last time.

They took away all of her privileges: even the single scarf she would wear on her head; and the veil she used to cover her face.

Not only that; her Qura'an which she used to hold against her chest and feel some relief-they took that from her as well.

In the end, she said that, "I died in that very moment when my tiny baby soul was snatched from me, when my children were separated from me. That death was nothing when for the first time my clothes were ripped and I was brutally dishonoured.The Afghans didn't even do what America has done."

She stood in the end and said, when even I was crying and saying to my mother that "Mother, they have even taken my Qura'an. What will I hug and find solace in?" Then my mother reassured me that "Child, why do you worry? Allah (swt) made you a Hafidhah of the Qura'an for this very reason. Let them steal as many Qura'ans as they can. Allah (swt) is closer to you than your jugular vein.

LATEST UPDATE

1. Estimates for an appeal in the US courts are $100,000, although Aafia's defence could potentially run into the millions.

2. Official sources have claimed that the US will act on the Pakistani Interior Minister's request to return Aafia to Pakistan.

3. Her two children have been separated from their mother for almost eight years now. They are living in a constant state of uncertainty, which is having a significant impact on their health. As a result of the 86 year sentence they will effectively have no relationship with their mother and may never see her again, if we do not act.

4. The whereabouts of the baby who was just six months old when abducted still remains a mystery till today.

5. The aging mother of Dr. Aafia is suffering from depression and ill health.

6. Dr. Aafia is in total isolation. Since being moved to Carswell after her sentencing, she has not been able to talk with any member of her family (except being allowed to leave one phone message) or allowed any visitation.

7. According to a prison psychologist, Aafiya is reported to have developed a psychiatric condition called "Psychosis" in which the sufferer has lost total contact with reality.

WHAT WE CAN DO

1. Help us to help Aafia by bringing her home.

2. Tune in to Channel Islam and Radio Al-Ansaar for the official launch and a joint broadcast of the Justice for Aafia Coalition branch in South Africa on Wednesday 16th February 2011 - 8pm to 10pm.

3. Don't forget Aafia by joining the Justice for Aafia Coalition

4. Write to Aafia to remind her that on this black day she is not forgotten. AAFIA SIDDIQUI # 90279-054, MDC BROOKLYN, METROPOLITAN DETENTION CENTER, P.O. BOX 329002, BROOKLYN, NY 11232

5. Spread the message and do not forget Aafia in your supplications.

6. Volunteer by responding to this communication and providing your contact details to enable us to set up a data base for JFAC South Africa.

7. Help us to coordinate the level of activism needed to create awareness and the release of Aafia Siddique.

8. For further information contact the undersigned.

ALWAYS REMEMBER AAFIYA SIDDIQUI:

OUR SISTER: KIDNAPPED, SHOT AT, FALSELY ACCUSED

OUR HONOUR: RAPED, TORTURED HUMILIATED

OUR DIGNITY: IMPRISONED FOR LIFE

OUR RESPONSE: PROTEST, CAMPAIGN, EDUCATE, DONATE

Inayet Wadee

Talk Show Host : Global Dynamics

0829093366