Hostage negotiator to speak

Rabia Siddique
Rabia Siddique
Tickets  to an upcoming Dunedin talk by a hostage negotiator, terrorist prosecutor and human rights lawyer are selling fast.

Otago Medical Research Foundation director of development Steve Davie said retired British Army officer Rabia Siddique will speak at a public forum at Dunedin Town Hall on October 12.

The talk would cover her military and civilian life.

``She was abused repeatedly by an elderly neighbour as a child, she fought racial and religious prejudice through her school years, took the British Army to court for discrimination and won a landmark case,'' Mr Davie said.

The visit by the Perth-based keynote speaker was organised by the Otago Medical Research Foundation to raise funds for research grants and scholarships.

Foundation director of development Steve Davie is ``delighted'' to have attracted Ms Siddique to Dunedin.

``Her stories are inspirational, humbling and amazingly powerful ... To have Rabia agree so readily to join us in Dunedin is a real coup,'' Mr Davie said.

``When you have been through war, you truly understand leadership, courage and resilience.''

The talk would appeal to a wide range of people and offers ``something for everybody''.

After the hour-long talk, she would answer questions from the audience.

The Otago Daily Times has invited some of its Class Act recipients to ask questions at the forum.

 

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