Members of the Pakistani-American community staged a protest at Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., against the conviction of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), calling the verdict unjust and the judicial process lacking transparency. The demonstration brought together human rights advocates, activists, and members of the Pakistani diaspora, who carried placards and banners demanding the release of Baloch missing persons and the withdrawal of cases against Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other Baloch political activists.
Amnesty International Condemns Verdict
Benjamin Linden, a representative of Amnesty International USA, said the organization views Dr. Mahrang Baloch as the leader of a peaceful movement and believes she is entitled to the same rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as every other citizen. “She was denied due process and fundamental legal protections,” Linden said.
Human Rights Activists Speak Out
Prominent human rights activist Dr. Ghazala Qazi criticized the judicial proceedings, describing them as lacking transparency. “This was not a fair trial. Dr. Mahrang is a political prisoner and should not be treated in this manner,” she said, calling for her immediate release. Qazi added that Dr. Mahrang is not only a social activist but also a medical doctor, and urged authorities to engage her in dialogue following her release.
Allegations of Judicial Bias
Social activist Mushtaq Rajpar from Sindh questioned the fairness of the case, saying, “How is it possible that Dr. Mahrang Baloch is the victim, yet the criminal cases have been filed against her? Unfortunately, it has long been a practice in Pakistan to blame the victim instead of addressing the injustice.” Imdad Baloch, a social activist from Balochistan, alleged that the judiciary in the province lacks independence. “The verdict was reportedly delivered behind closed doors by a judge in Gwadar under the influence of powerful quarters,” he claimed. “There is no judicial mechanism in Balochistan that ensures Dr. Mahrang Baloch and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee receive a fair hearing in accordance with the principles of justice.”
Demands for Release of Lawyers and Missing Persons
The protesters also demanded the release of prominent human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha, who have represented families of missing persons in cases before the Islamabad High Court. Speakers further called on the Pakistani authorities to disclose the fate of Baloch missing persons, urging that those still alive be released immediately, and that if any have died in custody, their remains be returned to their families.
