Tom Rooney: Obama Should Demand Pakistan Release Doctor

U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, has joined those calling on President Obama to demand the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor sentenced to 33 years in prison for treason after he assisted the United States in the search for Osama bin Laden.

Im outraged that the Pakistani government, our supposed ally, would try Dr. Afridi for heroically assisting in the search for Osama bin Laden, Rooney stated in a release. Dr. Afridi had the courage to step up and help us track bin Laden and bring him to justice, while the Pakistani government did little to assist in the search for the worlds most wanted terrorist.

President Obama should demand, as a condition of future financial assistance, that the Pakistani government grant Dr. Afridi an unconditional pardon and release him without delay.

A Senate panel has responded to the sentence by cutting aid to Islamabad by $33 million, $1 million for every year of the physicians 33-year sentence for high treason.