U.S. prison officials have come under scrutiny for denying spiritual access to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist held at FMC Carswell in Texas.
The decision has sparked renewed criticism regarding her treatment and broader concerns about human rights violations within the prison system.
Dr. Siddiqui, convicted on charges of attempting to harm U.S. soldiers, remains a polarizing figure. Activists and supporters have consistently questioned the fairness of her trial, labeling her conviction a miscarriage of justice during the “war on terror.”
The latest incident involves Imam Omar Suleiman, a respected spiritual leader, who was refused permission to visit Dr. Siddiqui despite repeated attempts. Suleiman criticized the move, calling it a denial of basic rights and suggesting that the decision might reflect deeper issues within the facility.
“This goes beyond a simple visitation request,” he remarked. “It raises concerns about what may be hidden behind closed doors.”
Dr. Siddiqui has previously alleged physical and emotional mistreatment during her imprisonment, filing lawsuits against the U.S. government and the Bureau of Prisons for rights violations.
Her claims have been echoed by former inmates of FMC Carswell, who have accused the institution of systemic abuse and degrading conditions, leading to legal actions demanding accountability.
