Judge Zia Farooqui: Five things to know about the US judge facing backlash for apologizing to Cole Thomas Allen

Allen accused of attempting to assassinate president Donald Trump. Faruqui apologized for the “unlawful” treatment he received, which included being placed on suicide watch, being separated from other prisoners and not being allowed access to a Bible.

“Whatever you went through, I apologize,” he said, adding, “Right now, it doesn’t work. It’s not enough. I think it’s legally flawed.”

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Farooqui’s comments sparked a backlash from many online. Jeanine Pirro, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, wrote “Welcome to Washington, D.C., U.S. Magistrate Judge Farooqui has held that a defendant armed to the teeth and trying to assassinate the president is entitled to preferential treatment while incarcerated compared to other defendants.”

other commented “There’s something wrong with the judiciary.” Another explain “The judges in D.C. are an absolute joke.” Now far-right influencer Laura Loomer, a staunch Trump ally, has joined the fray. As outrage grows, here’s everything you need to know about Judge Zia Farooqui.

“My mom, dad, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and my wife, Dr., all immigrated to the United States! I admire their leap of faith. It’s more courageous than mine!” he said wrote. Faruqui further added that his uncle reached the United States first.

Faruqui, now an uncle, a year ago posted information about his nephew Zain Kundi, who a judge said was interested in studying at Georgetown University Law Center.

Faruqui compared Allen’s treatment to those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The judge said that although the defendants in those cases exhibited what he described as similar behavior, they were treated more fairly. “I was fascinated and disturbed,” he said.

Many of the defendants in the Capitol riot cases who were later pardoned by Trump also objected to their treatment while incarcerated in the same Washington prisons. They were also reportedly kept in separate cells from other prisoners.

Faruqui then issued an order to the prison attorney to remind him by Tuesday morning, when a final decision on the terms of Allen’s incarceration will be made.

(Information provided by Reuters)