A U.S.-trained Pakistani scientist accused of helping al-Qaida and shooting at FBI agents in Afghanistan has been forced to appear in Manhattan court by a judge's order.
Aafia Siddiqui (ah-FEE'-uh see-DEE'-kee) kept her hands folded as she entered court Monday surrounded by marshal's deputies. When the judge said that she was presumed innocent, she shook her head in apparent disagreement.
U.S. District Judge Richard Berman said he would not rule on whether Siddiqui is competent to stand trial, but would hear the testimony of mental health experts.
Psychologists for both prosecutors and the defense say Siddiqui has claimed she saw some of her children in her cell. They say seemed especially disturbed by required strip searches.
Berman has entered a not guilty plea for her.
