UN Experts Condemn Baloch Activist Sentence
UN human rights experts have condemned the life sentence handed to Baloch political activist Dr Mahrang Baloch by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court, calling the verdict a grave injustice and raising concerns over fair trial rights.
UN Experts Condemn Mahrang Baloch Sentence
Dr Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch human rights defender, was sentenced to two life terms by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Quetta.
The case is linked to the death of a Frontier Corps member during a protest in Gwadar in July 2024. Pakistani authorities accused Baloch and fellow Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Sibghatullah Shahji of inciting violence during the demonstration.
The UN experts said the conviction appeared to misuse terrorism-related laws against peaceful activism and warned that such action could further shrink civic space in Balochistan.
Fair Trial Concerns Raised
The experts expressed concern over the conduct of the proceedings, including reports that the trial took place inside a prison facility and that the accused were not allowed to appear physically before the court.
They also raised concerns over legal representation, detention conditions, medical access and continued legal pressure on Baloch through multiple pending cases.
Human rights groups have said the proceedings should be reviewed, while Baloch’s legal team has indicated that the verdict will be challenged in the higher court.
Balochistan Activism Under Scrutiny
Dr Baloch heads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, which campaigns against enforced disappearances, alleged extrajudicial killings and other rights concerns in Balochistan.
The UN experts warned that the case could have a wider impact on women human rights defenders and activists raising concerns over land, resources, development projects and state action in the province.
Pakistan’s authorities have maintained that those accused of violence against state officials can be prosecuted under anti-terror laws.
