The ice is finally breaking as the United States Congress will hear the testimonies of the US drone attacks survivors from Pakistan for the first time. The briefing is organised by Congressman Alan Grayson on Tuesday.
Rafiq ur Rehman, whose mother was killed in an October 2012 drone attack in Pakistan will testify, as will his two young children Nabila and Zubair, who were among those injured in the drone attack in North Waziristan Agency.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from the drone strike victims,” Grayson said in a statement. When it comes to national security matters like drone strikes, it is important that we hear not only from the proponents of these attacks, but also from the victims. They have a unique perspective to share with Congress, and I hope that my colleagues will attend this important event, he said.
Grayson spokeswoman Lauren Doney, however, was unsure about the lawmakers who will attend the briefing.
A preview from an upcoming documentary, ‘Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars,’ will also be shown at the briefing.
It is reported that Shahzad Akbar, a Pakistani lawyer who represents victims of US drone strikes wanted to attend the briefing and serve as a translator, but was unable to get a visa to enter States. Grayson’s office said the family would bring another translator.