An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced human rights activist Mahrang Baloch and one of her associates to life imprisonment for the murder of a paramilitary soldier during a protest in July 2024.
According to the court's decision, the tribunal relied on witness testimony and medical evidence presented by the prosecution to establish the defendants' guilt. The verdict was delivered amidst already tense tensions in the Balochistan region, where human rights issues and political demands are frequent.
Mahrang Baloch's defense team immediately announced its intention to appeal the decision to the Provincial High Court, arguing that the trial did not meet all fairness standards. The lawyers specifically denounced limited procedural conditions, noting that the defendants were only able to attend some hearings via videoconference.
Human rights organizations have also criticized the conduct of the trial, saying that it lacked transparency and that international standards for a fair trial were not fully respected.
Mahrang Baloch is known for her involvement in the Baloch movement and for her role in the Baloch Unity Committee (BYC), which campaigns for civil rights and the protection of local populations in southwestern Pakistan.
This conviction risks exacerbating tensions between Pakistani authorities and Baloch militants, in a region already marked by recurring accusations of repression and human rights violations.
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