Pakistani scientist testifies at her attempted murder trial in NY over lawyers’ objection
By Tom Hays, APThursday, January 28, 2010
Pakistani scientist testifies at NY trial
NEW YORK — A U.S.-trained Pakistani scientist accused of trying to kill American personnel in Afghanistan has begun telling her life story at her New York trial.
Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE’-uh sih-DEE’-kee) began her testimony before a jury Thursday afternoon by explaining how she was trained as a scientist at three different U.S. universities.
Judge Richard Berman cleared Siddiqui to testify.
Her lawyers had tried to block the testimony, saying her “diminished capacity” would result in a “painful spectacle.” Prosecutors said it would be unprecedented to deny a defendant such a basic right.
Authorities describe Siddiqui as an al-Qaida supporter and say she tried to kill FBI and Army officers in Afghanistan in 2008. She denies the charges.
