Human Rights Advocate Convicted in Soldier's Killing
Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist known for her work against enforced disappearances in Pakistan's Balochistan province, has been handed a life sentence. The conviction stems from the killing of a paramilitary soldier during a protest held in 2024.
Baloch, who leads the Balochistan Unity Committee (BYC), was found guilty of murder and terrorism alongside fellow activist Sibghatullah. Prosecutors alleged that the two incited a crowd that attacked and fatally injured paramilitary soldier Shabbir Ahmed. Both activists, along with their legal counsel, boycotted the trial and deny all charges.
Trial Proceedings and Defense Claims
A security official testified that Baloch delivered a "very provocative speech" at the Gwadar protest, leading to 30-40 individuals striking a security vehicle with sticks and stones. The official claimed that Shabbir Ahmed became separated from his unit and was subsequently beaten to death.
An anti-terrorism court in Quetta ruled that Baloch and Sibghatullah were "active in the illegal gathering of the Baloch Unity Committee and had common objectives in the murder of the Federal Constabulary official." They were sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay 200,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately £543 or $719) to Ahmed's family. Local media reports indicate that Baloch and Sibghatullah have been incarcerated for two years on various charges.
Reactions and Calls for Review
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called for an immediate review of the verdict. The commission stated that the state's "policy of treating fundamental rights advocacy in the same way it treats extremism" has resulted in "one-sided and biased" administrative and judicial decisions.
Nadia Baloch, Mahrang Baloch's sister and a lawyer, along with the activists' legal team, rejected the verdict, asserting that due process was denied. They described the ruling as being delivered by a "faceless court" and claimed defense lawyers were unable to properly cross-examine eyewitnesses who testified via video link.
International figures have also voiced concerns. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg criticized the proceedings, labeling the trial a "mockery of justice" conducted "in utter secrecy" and accusing the Pakistani state of criminalizing dissent.
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government, however, informed the Associated Press that prosecutors possessed "undeniable evidence" and maintained that the case was not politically motivated.
Mahrang Baloch's Activism
Mahrang Baloch, recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Women of 2024, began her activism after her father was allegedly abducted by security services in 2009 and later found deceased with signs of torture. In late 2023, she led a 1,000-mile march to Islamabad with hundreds of women, seeking justice for missing family members.
Her organization, the BYC, advocates against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, a region that has experienced a decades-long struggle for greater autonomy. The BYC refutes allegations from the Pakistani government linking it to Baloch militants.
Source: Leading Pakistan activist given life sentence over soldier's killing at rally