The United Nations human rights experts have strongly criticized Pakistan for sentencing prominent Baloch human rights defender Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment, labeling the verdict a "travesty of justice" and expressing serious concern over the misuse of counter-terrorism laws to silence peaceful dissent.
UN Condemns Unfair Trial and Misuse of Anti-Terrorism Laws
In a press release, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated that Mahrang Baloch was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Quetta following what the experts described as an unfair trial. They argued that terrorism and murder charges had been used to suppress the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and association.
Mahrang Baloch, who heads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), was convicted alongside BYC leader Sibghatullah Shahji in connection with the killing of a Frontier Corps personnel during a sit-in protest in Gwadar in July 2024.
Protest Highlighted Systemic Issues in Balochistan
According to the UN experts, the protest highlighted issues including enforced disappearances, systemic discrimination, alleged state violence, impunity, and concerns over the appropriation of Indigenous lands and resources linked to foreign investment projects, including the Reko Diq mine.
The experts said the court inferred a common intent to commit murder based solely on the activists' participation in the protest and classified their actions as terrorism under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act. They also noted that nearly 50 police complaints remain pending against Baloch, raising fears of additional convictions.
Due Process Violations and Health Concerns
The UN experts expressed concern over alleged due process violations during the trial, stating that proceedings were shifted to a prison, the accused were denied physical attendance in court, and Baloch was compelled to accept state-appointed legal representation instead of counsel of her choice. They also voiced concern about her reported health condition, inadequate access to medical care in detention, and allegations of pressure on her family.
The experts urged Pakistan to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and prevent the misuse of counter-terrorism legislation.
