September 5, 2008 Siddiqui refuses to appear in court Play video

(NECN) - An MIT graduate has refused to come to court to face charges that she shot at U.S. soldiers and FBI officials in Afghanistan this summer.

Aafia Siddiqui had been expected to plead not guilty to the charges.

Her lawyer told the judge that Siddiqui did not want to go through with a strip search -- a requirement when prisoners are moved from jail to the courthouse.

The lawyer also said she is suffering from mental problems after being held in captivity by U.S. officials.

She is scheduled to be back in court on september 22nd.