Who is Mahrang Baloch? The Pakistani activist who has been sentenced to life in prison
Prominent Pakistani rights activist Mahrang Baloch has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The verdict has sparked debate, with the government calling it a lawful conviction while rights groups have criticized the trial.Who is Mahrang Ba
By Toi Trending Desk
Prominent Pakistani rights activist Mahrang Baloch has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
The verdict has sparked debate, with the government calling it a lawful conviction while rights groups have criticized the trial.Who is Mahrang Baloch?Mahrang Baloch is a well-known rights activist from Pakistan's Balochistan province.
She has spent years raising concerns about alleged enforced disappearances and human rights issues in the region, making her a prominent voice for the Baloch community.
Why was she sentenced?An anti-terrorism court in Quetta convicted Mahrang Baloch and fellow activist Sibghatullah over the killing of a paramilitary soldier during a protest in Gwadar in July 2024.According to the court, Baloch incited protesters to attack security personnel, and the prosecution's case was supported by eyewitness testimony and medical evidence.
Both were found guilty of murder and terrorism-related offenses and sentenced to life in prison.What does the Pakistani government say?The Balochistan government said the verdict followed a fair trial and argued that people who resort to violence or target state officials during protests can be prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws.Why is the verdict controversial?Human rights activists have criticized the proceedings, saying the trial lacked transparency.
They also said the accused were expected to appear via video link from prison, but instead boycotted the hearings, as reported by Reuters.Critics argue that the life sentences could deepen mistrust between the state and people in Balochistan.
What happens next?As reported by Reuters, Mahrang Baloch's lawyer has said the verdict will be challenged in the Balochistan High Court.
Meanwhile, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), the advocacy group she is associated with, has called for a province-wide strike in protest against the ruling.Thumb image: XGet the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates.
Download the TOI App.