A #Humanitarian #Appeal to #António #Guterres for #Clemency: #Freedom for #Dr. #Aafia #Siddiqui

15th January 2025

To: The Honourable António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations 
United Nations Headquarters 
New York, NY 10017 

A Humanitarian Appeal to António Guterres for Clemency: Freedom for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Dear Secretary-General António Guterres,

I write to you today with a profound sense of urgency and an unwavering belief in the principles of justice, compassion, and human dignity that define the United Nations. This is an appeal not for a single individual but for the collective conscience of humanity. I humbly beseech you, in your capacity as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, to appeal to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for clemency and the immediate release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui—a mother, a scholar, and a symbol of resilience who has endured unimaginable suffering during her 16 years of imprisonment. 

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case is not only a matter of legal or political contention but a profound humanitarian crisis. A highly educated woman, Dr. Siddiqui once dedicated her life to advancing knowledge and contributing positively to society. Yet, she now languishes under an 86-year prison sentence, subjected to conditions that have shattered her body, mind, and spirit. Reports of extreme torture, inhumane treatment, and sexual violence—acts that strike at the very core of human dignity—paint a harrowing picture of her ordeal. These violations transcend the boundaries of law and morality, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice. 

A Mother’s Agony, a Humanity’s Call 

Dr. Siddiqui is not just a prisoner—she is a mother, a sister, and a daughter whose plight has echoed in the hearts of millions around the globe. Her absence has torn apart a family, leaving her children to grow up without their mother’s love and guidance. For over 16 long years, she has endured conditions that no human being—least of all a woman who once stood for education and empowerment—should ever be subjected to. 

Rape, torture, and the systemic stripping away of her dignity have not only scarred her as an individual but have also symbolized a failure to uphold the ideals of justice and human rights. These heinous acts stand in stark opposition to the values enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations. 

A Global Plea for Clemency

This appeal is not only on behalf of Dr. Siddiqui but also on behalf of humanity’s collective conscience. Her plight has stirred outrage, compassion, and solidarity among people of all faiths, nations, and walks of life. Leaders, activists, and freedom-loving citizens around the world have called for her release, recognizing that justice cannot be served through the perpetuation of suffering. 

Mr. Secretary-General, as the custodian of global human rights, your voice carries unparalleled weight in advocating for justice and reconciliation. Clemency for Dr. Siddiqui would not merely rectify a grave injustice but would serve as a beacon of hope for millions who still believe in the transformative power of compassion and moral leadership. 

An Appeal to President Biden

President Biden, as a leader who has long championed the causes of fairness, equity, and human dignity, has the unique opportunity to correct this profound injustice. His decision to grant clemency to Dr. Siddiqui would send a powerful message to the world—a message that justice is not only about punishment but also about redemption, mercy, and the reaffirmation of human rights. 

We urge you, Mr. Secretary-General, to appeal to President Biden to exercise his executive power of clemency. Dr. Siddiqui’s release would not only reunite a mother with her children and family but also restore faith in the ideals that the United States and the international community strive to uphold. 

A Call for Immediate Action

Every moment that Dr. Siddiqui remains imprisoned deepens the wounds of injustice. Her case represents an urgent humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action. Freedom for Dr. Siddiqui is not just about one individual—it is about reaffirming the principles of humanity, compassion, and justice that bind us all. 

Conclusion

Your Excellency, history will remember those who had the courage to act when the scales of justice tipped toward despair. By championing this appeal, you have the opportunity to stand as a pillar of moral leadership and global solidarity. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s freedom is a call for justice that transcends borders, religions, and politics. 

I humbly implore you to raise this matter with President Biden with the utmost urgency and to advocate for Dr. Siddiqui’s clemency as a matter of human dignity and global justice. 

Yours in solidarity and hope,

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore – Pakistan.
+92 321 9402157