Notes on Aria Sadiki Case Presentation

Introduction

• Aria Sadiki's case is a shocking example of the US rendition to torture program post-9/11.
• Only known detailed history of a woman subjected to this program.
• Presented by Clive Stafford Smith, civil rights lawyer representing multiple Guantanamo prisoners.

Background: War on Terror

• September 11, 2001: Deadliest attack on US soil.
• President George W. Bush launched the "global war on terror."
• Policies included CIA transferring suspects to Black sites and Guantanamo Bay.
• Many held without charge, subjected to "enhanced interrogation techniques."

Aria Sadiki's Background

• 52-year-old woman currently serving an 86-year sentence in Texas for attempted murder.
• Suffered a traumatic history involving her children during her abduction.
• Held as a target in the post-9/11 climate of fear and suspicion.

Clive Stafford Smith's Involvement

• Met Aria in 2023 while working on another case in Texas.
• Motivated by her story and the injustices she faced.
• Discovered shocking details about her abduction and treatment.

Abduction Details

• Aria was abducted in Pakistan with her three children.
• First child reportedly died during the abduction.
• Children were also subjected to trauma during their captivity.

Context of 9/11 and Aftermath

• 9/11 had a profound impact on American society and led to fear-based policies.
• Bush’s declaration of war on terror on September 16, 2001, allowed for aggressive measures against perceived threats.
• Aria’s professional background misunderstood; she was an educationalist, not a terrorist.

Rendition and Torture Policies

• Authorization for military force led to extraordinary rendition.
• The US paid bounties for capturing alleged terrorists.
• Many prisoners in Guantanamo were sold under dubious circumstances.

Aria’s Experience and Misconceptions

• Mischaracterization of Aria as a potential terrorist due to her education background.
• No terrorism charges ever brought against her.
• Misinformation regarding her ties to Al-Qaeda.

Children’s Trauma

• Aria's children faced severe trauma and separation during the abduction process.
• Ahmed, the eldest, was placed in a juvenile prison; Mariam was forcefully adopted.

Guantanamo Statistics

• 780 prisoners in Guantanamo; 99.5% released or cleared as innocent.
• The significant failures of US intelligence regarding these detentions.

Abduction and Treatment in Custody

• Aria was taken to various prisons; her treatment included severe abuse.
• Reports of her being held in isolation and sexually abused.
• Children were also threatened as a method of torture against her.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• The case highlights the systemic issues of the US government's approach to terrorism suspects.
• Further details about Aria’s survival and luck in avoiding death will be discussed in part two.

Additional Resources

• For more information, refer to the continuation of this episode.