{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "UN Experts Slam Pakistan over Life Sentences for Dr. Mahrang Baloch",
  "summary": "Independent UN human rights experts have condemned the double life sentence handed down to Dr. Mahrang Baloch by a Pakistani court, citing a lack of fair trial and suppression of dissent.",
  "content": "Independent human rights experts under the United Nations (UN) have expressed deep concern regarding the double life imprisonment sentence handed to prominent Baloch human rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch by a counter-terrorism court in Quetta, Pakistan. The experts argued that the sentence was delivered following an unfair trial, where charges of terrorism and murder were manipulated to suppress peaceful protest, the right to organize, and freedom of expression.\n\nBackground of the Case and Protest\nDr. Mahrang Baloch leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of the Baloch minority community. She, along with another BYC leader, Sibghatullah Shahji, was convicted in connection with the death of a Frontier Corps member during a demonstration in Gwadar in July 2024. UN experts noted that the protests were focused on systemic discrimination against the Baloch community, forced disappearances, state-led violence, impunity for perpetrators, and the alleged illegal acquisition of indigenous land and resources for the Reko Diq mining project.\n\nConcerns Over Judicial Integrity\nThe experts highlighted several alarming irregularities regarding the court proceedings. According to their assessment, the court concluded that simply participating in the protest was sufficient evidence of a common intent to commit murder, classifying the actions of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji as terrorism under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The trial was conducted entirely within prison walls, denying the defendants the opportunity to appear in person. Dr. Mahrang Baloch had previously raised concerns about the use of video conferencing, noting it prevented her from effectively participating in her own defense. Furthermore, she was reportedly denied the right to choose her own counsel, forced instead to rely on a government-appointed lawyer.\n\nOngoing Legal Harassment and Future Risks\nAccording to UN experts, this case is not an isolated incident; there are at least 50 outstanding police complaints against Dr. Mahrang Baloch. The experts expressed fear that these pending cases will be used to ensure she remains incarcerated, as part of a broader strategy to intimidate, punish, and silence those advocating for victims of human rights violations. They also voiced concerns regarding the condition of her health in detention and alleged that her family is facing significant pressure from authorities.\n\nThe Situation in Balochistan\nThe experts emphasized that this sentencing comes during a period of intensified crackdowns on the Baloch Yakjehti Committee following security operations in the region. Reports indicate a rise in the use of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on the movement of people. Mechanisms like the Fourth Schedule and the Exit Control List (ECL) are being utilized against individuals exercising their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech. These concerns had previously been communicated to Pakistani authorities throughout 2024 and 2025.\n\nCorporate Responsibility and Human Rights\nThe experts noted that these sentences severely shrink the space available for civil society in Balochistan. Female human rights defenders, who have been vocal in protesting against extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances, are increasingly facing gender-based threats and retribution. The experts reminded the government and private entities that they are obligated under international law and UN guiding principles to respect human rights, conduct risk assessments, and ensure meaningful dialogue with affected communities. The recent illegal raid on the home of another prominent Baloch human rights defender, Sammi Deen Baloch, by security personnel serves as further evidence of the escalating climate of intimidation.\n\nWhat this means for you\nAcross India: This incident draws global attention to the human rights situation in neighboring Pakistan, often fueling broader diplomatic discussions.\n\nIn Balochistan: For local residents and activists, this highlights the extreme risks associated with dissent and the potential lack of legal safeguards for those challenging government actions.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What charges were brought against Dr. Mahrang Baloch?\nShe was convicted in connection with the death of a Frontier Corps member during a protest demonstration in Gwadar.\n\n2. How was the court trial conducted?\nThe trial was held inside a prison, where the defendants were not allowed to appear in person and were forced to rely on a government-appointed lawyer.\n\n3. What is the primary concern of UN experts?\nThe experts argue that the sentencing occurred without a fair trial and that it is intended to suppress the voices of human rights activists in the Baloch region.\n\n4. How many cases are pending against Dr. Mahrang Baloch?\nThere are at least 50 outstanding police complaints reported against Dr. Mahrang Baloch.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/world/do-mahrang-baloch-ki-saja-para-snyukta-rashtra-ki-kari-apatti-6750",
  "category": "World",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-11",
  "tags": [
    "Mahrang Baloch",
    "United Nations",
    "Pakistan",
    "Balochistan",
    "Human Rights",
    "Judicial Process"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}