In a striking development, Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist in Pakistan, has been charged with terrorism, sedition, and murder following her leadership in a protest in Quetta, which tragically culminated in the deaths of three demonstrators. This incident is rooted in the long-standing claims of the Baloch ethnic group regarding state-sponsored harassment and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, where a separatist insurgency has persisted for decades.
Last Friday, during a sit-in at the University of Balochistan, Baloch and her fellow activists were advocating for the release of their detained peers, who they allege were apprehended by security forces. The tense atmosphere escalated over the weekend, leading to a police raid that resulted in the arrest of several activists, including Baloch, and igniting disputes over the circumstances surrounding the protestors’ fatalities.
Mary Lawlor, the UN’s special rapporteur on human rights defenders, expressed her profound concern over Baloch’s arrest. The police charge sheet reveals that both Baloch and the other arrested protesters face severe accusations under public order laws. Her legal representative, Imran Baloch, confirmed her detention at a Quetta facility.
Notably, Baloch, a steadfast advocate for Baloch rights since her teens, was previously denied travel to the US to attend a prestigious awards ceremony for rising leaders due to her activism. This incident underscores the involvement of women in the Baloch protests, a poignant aspect of their struggle. The recent violence highlights the escalating tension in Balochistan, the epicentre of the separatist movement, where resource exploitation by outsiders often stirs resentment.
Mahrang Baloch, a notable Baloch activist, faces serious charges including terrorism, following a protest that ended with three fatalities. The protest demanded the release of detained supporters, highlighting ongoing tensions in Balochistan, a region marked by activism against state repression. UN officials express concern over her arrest, illustrating the high-stakes environment for human rights advocates in the area.
The arrest of Mahrang Baloch showcases the complexities and severe implications of activism in Balochistan, where the struggle for ethnic rights and safety continues amidst state repression. The charges against her reflect broader tensions in a region rife with conflict, especially as the separatist insurgency fuels disputes and violence. The international focus, particularly through figures like Mary Lawlor, emphasises the dire need for awareness and support for human rights defenders in the area.
Original Source: www.france24.com
