This is with reference to Marvi Memon’s article “Dr Aafia – when will we stop playing to the gallery?” (October 5).
LONDON: This is with reference to Marvi Memon’s article “Dr Aafia – when will we stop playing to the gallery?” (October 5). The writer claims to be fighting for the victim’s rights, yet the column continues to rehash damaging misinformation about Dr Aafia Siddiqui.
Let’s nail a few of the myths Ms Memon perpetuates. Aafia is not a US citizen, she has no terrorism connections — both of these points were made in the trial by the judge and the prosecution. She never faced any terror charges. Yet for some reason the support for Aafia is equated with support for extremism and jihadis. Ms Memon has implied previously that Dr Aafia’s family is extremely religious. Is it wrong to be religious? If so, you have managed to demonise a billion or so Muslims, Christians and those of other faiths. Aafia, the supposed terrorist, in all her outbursts, never sought revenge and always encouraged forgiveness. Surely the writer can’t find these actions undesirable, threatening or extremist?
The author claims to be championing “liberal” thought. Is not fairness and justice a liberal concept? Is not national sovereignty a liberal concept? Is not freedom a liberal concept? Being a liberal is not easy because in order to be a true liberal you have, more often than not, to stand up for those who are not quite as liberal as yourself.
Perhaps the writer should revisit Dr Aafia’s case in an objective light and beware of the so-called official narrative. The stories around Dr Aafia have changed by the weeks and months, but the truth is a constant and that has never changed.
Yvonne Ridley
Published in The Express Tribune, October 11th, 2010.
