Pak neuroscientist faking mental illness to evade prosecution: US prosecutor

Washington, Mar.28 (ANI): The Pakistani neuroscientist, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who is undergoing trial on charges of attempting to kill Americans in Afghanistan, has been accused of faking symptoms of mental illness to evade prosecution.

An assistant US prosecutor told the court here that medical examination of Dr. Siddiqui has revealed that she is in proper state of mind, and has no mental illness.

"It was manipulation by the defendant, as opposed to any signs of serious mental illness," the prosecutor said.

He said that two psychiatrists examined Siddiqui independently, and have concluded that she is fit for further legal action.

Earlier, a court had ordered a psychological evaluation of Siddiqui, as it considered her unfit for trial because of a mental disease.

"It renders her unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against her or to assist properly in her defence," the court had observed.

Dr. Siddiqui was taken into custody by US officials last year, after she was suspiciously roaming outside an Afghan police station. She also fired two gun-shots on a US officer while being arrested.

She was later taken to New York for further prosecution.

The court has also set a tentative trial date of July 6. (ANI)