Pakistan Gender News Voice of Gender News From Pakistan
NEW YORK, June 28: The mental status of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani national indicted in the US on terrorism charges last August, was discussed in detail at an “in-camera” proceeding in the New York Court on Friday.
The hearing was scheduled to ascertain Ms Siddiqui’s mental health to stand trial by US Federal Court Judge Richard Berman.
The court-appointed doctor L. Powell gave his opinion on Ms Siddiqui’s mental status in the presence of Judge Berman and Ms Siddiqui.
Ms Siddiqui has returned to New York from Fort Worth (Texas) where she was sent for mental evaluation.
According to sources, Ms Siddiqui’s court appointed lawyer Dawn Cardi was also present, besides a representative of the Pakistan Embassy.
During the 30-minute discourse Judge Berman was informed that Ms Siddiqui was in good physical state, the sources said.
However, her lawyer Dawn Cardi disputed government’s claim, the sources said.
Judge Berman has set a tentative trial date for July 6.
Source: Dawn
Date:6/29/2009
