James Bone in New York
Register for our new sites
A Pakistani scientist who is the only woman accused of working with the al-Qaeda leadership has demanded that Jews should be excluded from the jury at her trial in New York.
Aafia Siddiqui called for jurors to undergo genetic testing in an outburst in federal court in Manhattan yesterday.
“If they have a Zionist or Israeli background . . . they are all mad at me,” Ms Siddiqui, an American-educated neuroscientist, said. “I have a feeling everyone here is them [sic] — subject to genetic testing. They should be excluded if you want to be fair,” she told the judge.
Prosecutors say that Ms Siddiqui, 37, who has a biology degree from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD from Brandeis University, fled the US in 2003 after marrying an al-Qaeda operative.
She was arrested outside an Afghan government compound in Ghazni province, allegedly carrying two lb of poisonous sodium cyanide and information on chemical, biological and radiological weapons, as well as descriptions of US landmarks such as Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty.
She is charged with allegedly grabbing a US Army officer’s M4 rifle and shooting at a team of FBI agents who were trying to question her on July 18, 2008. She was shot in the stomach in the exchange of fire and taken to the US a few weeks later to face federal charges of attempted murder and assault.
US officials allege that Ms Siddiqui has links to top al-Qaeda suspects. They say that the mother of three is married to Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali, known as Ammar al-Blackuch, a nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-proclaimed mastermind of the September 11 terror attacks, and a cousin of Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Centre in New York.
The criminal charges do not mention al-Qaeda, however, and the judge has barred prosecutors from telling the jury about her alleged ties to the terror group.
Nevertheless, Ms Siddiqui, who wore a white scarf covering her face in court, vowed not to co-operate with the trial. “I’m boycotting the trial, just to let all of you know,” she said. “There’s too many injustices.
“I’m out of this,” she added.
After the judge thanked her, she put her head down on the defence table and went silent as prosecutors flashed a photograph of her face on a television monitor.
“I don’t trust you,” she told the judge at one point before the potential jurors packed the courtroom.
The outburst was the latest of a series of courtroom rants by Ms Siddiqui, who has also tried to fire her lawyers.
Her trial had been delayed for psychiatric tests, but most concluded that she was faking mental illness. After jury selection is complete, opening arguments will begin on Tuesday.
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?
In this special section we explore a different way to enjoy Las Vegas
An island of beauty and contrast, this unspoilt Mediterranean isle is the perfect holiday destination
The birthplace of impressionism, admire the region's timeless landscapes, enter our competition and you could see it for yourself
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
Europe’s largest independent Jaguar Dealer group with 23 locations across the UK.
To view our latest New Car Offers and Jaguar Approved Vehicles visit Stratstone.com.
Cabriolet 2010
£43,850
Bedford
The best policy at the
best price
Be Wiser Insurance
2006
£27,950
West Yorkshire
£Competitive
Scania
Milton Keynes
Voluntary
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
London
Competitive salary
Barclays Financial Planning
Nationwide
Six Figure Package
Novo Altum
London
Enjoy an exquisite location at the foot of Diamond Head in a traditional Hawaiian beach house lifestyle.
£6,593,400 GBP
5 beds, 4 baths, 3 receptions, kitchen/breakfast, landscaped garden & private parking.
Find out more about our luxurious apartments and houses for sale in the heart of Sussex.
-30% off key ready properties in Cyprus with guaranteed fast and easy finance. Prices from 89,000 Euros!
For the best Mediterranean, Caribbean & Last Minute cruise deals visit IgluCruise now.
Cruise from only £59 per night!
Book now for extra savings of up to £500 per Stateroom!
Cruises from just £729 pp
Thousands of holiday homes throughout Italy starting from just £200 per week, plus save £££’s with our last minute discounted properties.
Book now for Free Stateroom upgrades on selected sailings and many other extra savings available. Book by 25th April.
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Milkround | Globrix
Copyright 2010 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.
Your Comments
Order By: