Aafia Siddiqui’s Petition Hits 1.5M: A Call for Justice

Guest article by Team Aafia, an organization striving for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for 5 years. 

In a significant development that underscores the power of collective voices, the petition calling for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui has surpassed an extraordinary milestone of 1.5 million signatures. This achievement has reignited global attention on her case, sparking debates on justice, human rights, and the plight of the innocent prisoner. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist with a tragic and controversial story, remains at the center of one of the most debated legal cases in recent history.

Referred to as the "Daughter of the Nation" in Pakistan, Dr. Siddiqui's imprisonment is becoming a focal point of public outcry and diplomatic discourse between Pakistan and the United States. Her story, covered in false allegations and unanswered questions, continues to evoke a mix of empathy, frustration, and solidarity from her supporters worldwide. With this recent milestone, her supporters are amplifying their demand for her release, calling it a moral and humanitarian obligation.

As the petition gains traction, the question looms: will this monumental show of public support push for meaningful action? In this report, we will try to delve into the importance of this milestone, the latest on Aafia Siddiqui’s case, and what lies ahead for the movement advocating her release.

Background of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Who is Dr. Aafia Siddiqui?
Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is a highly educated Pakistani neuroscientist who earned her doctorate from Brandeis University in the United States. 

In the words of Noam Chomsky, “Aafia is an institution in herself.”
Her life took a tragic turn in 2003 when she was abducted mysteriously in Karachi with her three young children.

Her disappearance coincided with reports of secret detentions and extraordinary renditions in the aftermath of the global war on terror. Years later, she reappeared under contentious circumstances, detained in Afghanistan and accused of attempting to shoot U.S. military personnel during an interrogation—an allegation having no solid proof.

“Dr. Aafia’s case is a fantasy created by the FBI.”-Yvonne Ridley (British Journalist)

Why Has Her Case Drawn International Attention?
Dr. Siddiqui’s case has sparked international outrage for various reasons:
1. Disputed Allegations: Many question the veracity of the charges against her, citing a lack of forensic evidence and inconsistencies in witness testimonies. Despite these doubts, she was convicted in 2010 and sentenced to 86 years in a U.S. prison (FMC Carswell, a legalized torture chamber in the US).
2. Claims of Torture: Dr. Siddiqui and her supporters have alleged that she was subjected to physical and psychological torture during her detention. These claims raise serious human rights concerns.
3. Children’s Disappearance: Her children, who disappeared with her in 2003, became another focal point of the case. While two of her children were eventually located, the whereabouts of her youngest son, Suleman, remain unknown, further deepening the mystery surrounding her ordeal.

Global Outcry and Key Controversies
The case has sparked protests across Pakistan and many other parts of the world, including the US. Activists view her imprisonment as symbolic of broader issues, including Islamophobia, injustice in the war on terror, and the plight of women caught in global conflicts. Prominent figures, including political leaders, religious scholars, human rights advocates, and legal experts, have spoken out against her imprisonment, demanding a fair reassessment of her case.
Dr. Siddiqui’s story continues to evoke strong emotions, with her supporters standing up for a victim of a flawed system and an unjust global order. 

The Petition’s Journey

The petition calling for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui gained momentum as a digital campaign aimed at utilizing an important political opportunity: the change of office in the United States. The Petition capitalized on the hope that President Joe Biden’s administration might adopt a more humanitarian approach and use its executive powers to address longstanding cases like Dr. Siddiqui’s.
“Now as we eagerly await a decision on her case, we can’t help but wonder, will America do the right thing?”-Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui
Historically, U.S. presidents have exercised clemency powers to grant pardons or commute sentences for certain prisoners. 

Notably, President Biden has already used executive authority to release several prisoners during his term, issuing 39 presidential pardons, commuting 1500 sentences (39 federal death row prisoners), and particularly 2500 non-violent drug offenders, Advocates for Dr. Siddiqui’s release saw this as an opportunity to highlight her case and push for her repatriation.

The petition has created a groundswell of public opinion that can influence the Biden administration’s decision-making. By showcasing widespread global support for her release, the petition sought to position her case as a pressing humanitarian and diplomatic issue that deserved immediate attention.

Global Support and Advocacy

The Clemency Petition on change.org garnered significant backing from prominent figures, amplifying its reach and impact. Esteemed scholars like Imam Omar Suleiman, Mufti Menk, Qari Ishaq Jasat, and Dr. Haitham Al-Haddad, Political figures like Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, along with activists like Ayeshaa Mercedes, Yvonne Ridley, Claudia Webbe, and CAGE International have supported the petition, urging their vast audiences to join the cause.
The endorsements from such influential figures have significantly bolstered the petition's visibility, leading to a surge in signatures and heightened media attention. Their involvement draws attention to the widespread concern over Dr. Siddiqui's imprisonment and the collective demand for justice.

Comparative Analysis with Other One-time Petitions

Global Analysis
Available stats present a tremendous picture of support for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The distinctive features include a robust success in relatively no time. When viewed in the broader context of global one-time petitions, although overshadowed by high-profile petitions like “Justice for George Floyd” (over 19 million signatures) or “Justice for Breonna Taylor” (over 11 million signatures), Aafia’s petition underscores a universal demand for justice (ranked 18th for worldwide petitions, ranked 7th for human rights-based worldwide petitions). 

A Milestone in Asia
Clemency's petition for Dr. Siddiqui’s release stands as one of the most signed campaigns in Asia as well, a testament to the region’s engagement with human rights issues. Surpassing established campaigns like those addressing the Mullaperiyar Dam disaster and anti-discrimination efforts, Aafia’s petition is now ranked 4th among Asia’s most signed petitions (2nd for Human Rights-Based) joining the ranks of significant movements such as the protection of doctors in India and Mullaperiyar Dam Disaster.

What the Numbers Reveal

The petition’s rapid accumulation of over 1.6 million signatures reveals more than just numbers. It reflects a growing concern over human rights and justice across borders. 

The success of the petition is highlighting the power of collective action in raising awareness and applying pressure on decision-makers. While the ultimate goal of clemency or a fair retrial or passionate basis remains uncertain, the petition’s impact is undeniable. It has reignited conversations around Dr. Siddiqui’s case, prompting mainstream and social media discussions.

“Brothers and sisters, regardless of what the outcome will be, with over 1,500,000 signatures supporting our clemency petition, you have all done your part.”- Sister Dr. Siddiqui.

What’s Coming Next?

Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui joined Aafia’s lawyer, Mr. Clive Stafford Smith, and other peers in Washington last week. The whole week was devoted to lobbying, meetings with US officials, and striving for Dr. Siddiqui’s release. The clemency appeal has knocked on the door of the White House and important decisions are expected to come by Monday evening. Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui acknowledged the part of the supporters several times and asked them to play their final role by praying to Allah Almighty. She arrived in Dallas, Texas with the hope that this time she was going, not to meet, but to bring Aafia back!

Let’s pray that her wish comes true!