Amnesty International has issued a robust condemnation of the life sentences recently imposed on prominent Baloch activists, Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee. The organisation argues that these verdicts violate fundamental standards of a fair trial and reflect Pakistan’s alleged misuse of anti-terrorism laws to undermine peaceful dissent. Isabelle Lassee, the Acting Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, described the convictions as “an affront to the right to a fair trial.” This statement highlights the organisation’s concern regarding the treatment of human rights defenders in Pakistan.

Details of the Conviction

The life sentences were handed down by an anti-terrorism court located in Quetta, following the activists’ alleged involvement in a protest in 2024, during which a security official lost his life. Amnesty International claims that the trial was conducted in a covert manner, within the confines of a prison, which raised significant concerns about the integrity of the judicial process. The organisation noted that there was a lack of direct evidence presented in court linking Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee to the violence that occurred during the protest, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the convictions.

Moreover, Amnesty International has flagged the issue of prolonged unlawful detention. Dr Mahrang Baloch’s arrest took place in March 2025, after she had taken part in a peaceful sit-in, subsequently leading to over two dozen cases filed against her across the country under anti-terrorism laws. The organisation argued that the overwhelming number of cases hindered her legal team’s ability to mount an effective defence.

Amnesty International maintains that the targeting of these activists is a direct consequence of their advocacy for human rights. The organisation has called for their immediate release as well as the withdrawal of all charges associated with their activism. This plea highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.

Baloch Yakjehti Committee and Its Leaders

Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee are significant figures within the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a civil rights organisation that campaigns against enforced disappearances, alleged extrajudicial killings, and economic marginalisation affecting the Baloch people. Their detention comes amidst widespread protests that began in March 2025, where multiple Baloch activists have been similarly affected, facing an array of legal challenges related to their advocacy.

Following their arrests, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee has continued to raise awareness about pressing issues in Balochistan, such as government oppression and human rights violations. The committee asserts that peaceful protests are a fundamental right and that the legal actions taken against its members are attempts to silence their voices.

Amnesty International’s strong stance on this matter serves as a reminder of the need for greater adherence to international fair trial standards in Pakistan. The reaction from this global human rights organisation underscores an ongoing international concern regarding the treatment of activists and the state of civil liberties in the region.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share