A man demands the release of Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqi, who has been sentenced to 86 years in prison.
The United States released one of four hostages taken during worship at a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas on Saturday, January 15.
It is reported by The Associated Press.
It is noted that the victim left the synagogue after 17:00 local time. He does not require medical attention and will soon be reunited with his family.
Meanwhile, an attacker is demanding the release of Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqi, who was convicted of attempting to assassinate U.S. military personnel while in Afghan custody. The woman was suspected of having links with the al-Qaeda terrorist organization.
He also wants to talk to Siddiqui, who is serving time in a Texas federal prison, officials said. Investigators said they have not yet identified the man.
US President Joe Biden has already been informed of the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Benet also reacted to the situation, indicating that he was closely monitoring the situation: “We pray for the safety of the hostages and rescuers.”
Recall that an unknown person took hostage the rabbi and visitors to the synagogue in the US Colleyville during the morning service on Saturday. The man stated that he was armed, but officials have not yet confirmed this information.
Negotiations are underway with the suspect. The FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety are involved in the operation. Residents of the area were evacuated.
A Pakistani neuroscientist with degrees from Brandeis University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Aafia Siddiqui, was sentenced in 2010 to 86 years in prison on charges of assaulting and shooting at US Army officers after being detained in Afghanistan.
The verdict caused outrage in Pakistan among political leaders and supporters of Siddiqui, who consider her a victim of the American criminal justice system.
Since then, Pakistani officials have publicly expressed interest in any deal or exchange that could result in Siddiqui's release from US custody, and the case also continues to attract the attention of her supporters.
In 2018, for example, an Ohio man who prosecutors said planned to fly to Texas and attack the prison to free Siddiqui was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
