Aafia Supporters Subjected to Threats, Attempted Assasination and Petrol Bombs
March 26,2011
First it was intimidation, then indirect warnings, then direct threats and now physical attacks…
In recent days, a series of increasingly deadly threats and terror activities have been focused on Dr. Aafia's family and some prominent supporters:
Dr. Aafia's sister, Dr. Fauzia, was directly threatened with harm to her children if she persisted in campaigning for Aafia. The threats were made by persons claiming to represent Pakistani military agencies. (Story: here)
A respected supporter, Dr. Anwar ul Haq, in Islamabad had his house petrol bombed resulting in the destruction of his vehicle.(Story: here)
A prominent politician, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, whose party has been vocal in its support for Dr. Aafia, was the subject of two suicide attacks on consecutive days that left over a dozen innocent people dead and several wounded. (Story: here)
While threats have been made in the past, the intensity with which they are now actually being carried out is noteworthy for its timing and selection of targets.
The recent report by the International Justice Network revealed (by secretly taped conversations) the direct involvement of Pakistani military agencies in the kidnapping of Dr. Aafia and her children in March 2003. Further investigation into the chain of involvement has angered many officials.
The targeted individuals or their organizations have been vocal in demanding this further investigation that could reveal very senior level involvement.
To date no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the petrol bombing or the suicide attacks.
