Prosecutors: Pakistani accused of shooting at US Army personnel should be allowed to testify

Government: Let al-Qaida-linked scientist testify

NEW YORK — A U.S.-trained Pakistani scientist accused of trying to kill American personnel while detained in Afghanistan should be allowed to testify at her trial despite her courtroom outbursts, prosecutors argued Wednesday.

Defense attorneys for Aafia Siddiqui had asked a judge to bar their client from taking the witness stand in federal court in Manhattan, saying her “diminished capacity” would result in a “painful spectacle.”

Throughout the trial that started last week, Siddiqui has burst into rants — professing her innocence, calling the United States a tool of Israel and berating her lawyers and the government’s star witnesses. U.S. District Judge Richard Berman has warned the reputed al-Qaida supporter that her behavior won’t be tolerated, and at times has had her removed from the courtroom.

In a letter to the judge, prosecutors said Siddiqui had done nothing to forfeit her “fundamental right” to testify in her own defense.

“Her more recent outbursts during this trial are neither irrational or delusional, as the defense suggests, but are instead opportunistic and calculated,” the letter said. “The defendant is an articulate, well-educated, sophisticated person who understands completely the proceedings against her.”

The judge, who has previously ruled that Siddiqui was competent to stand trial, was expected to decide whether she can testify Thursday before the defense winds down its case. Closing arguments could come as early as Friday.

Prosecutors allege that Siddiqui was carrying bomb-making instructions and a list of New York City landmarks including the Statue of Liberty when Afghan police stopped her in July 2008. Witnesses have testified that just as she was about to be interrogated by FBI agents and American soldiers, she picked up an unattended U.S. military assault rifle and fired two rounds.

She missed and was wounded by return fire. She denies ever firing the weapon.