Amnesty International Calls for Immediate Release of Jailed Baloch Activists in Pakistan

Amnesty International has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Baloch activists Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee who were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The sentencing was carried out by Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court in Quetta on the twenty second of June two thousand twenty six. This was in relation to a protest that took place in the year two thousand twenty four.

The human rights group raised multiple issues with the way the trial was handled. The proceedings were conducted inside a prison. There was no access granted to media outlets or independent observers. The trial therefore did not meet the required standards for fairness.

The organization also highlighted the misuse of anti-terrorism laws. It said these laws were being used to suppress dissent. In addition, there was a noted lack of evidence presented during the case.

The activists had been subjected to prolonged unlawful detention. There was no direct evidence that connected them to any alleged violence that occurred during the protest.

Particular attention was given to Mahrang Baloch. She was arrested in March of the year two thousand twenty five. The arrest occurred after she took part in a peaceful sit-in. She has faced more than two dozen anti-terrorism cases.

Amnesty International made its demand citing all of these reasons related to the legal process and detention conditions. The call emphasizes the need for adherence to international legal norms in handling such cases involving activists.