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Dr. Mahrang Baloch Charged with Terrorism Over Allegations Against Security Institutions
Rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of Baloch Yakjehti Committee, faces terrorism charges for allegedly inciting violence. She vows to continue her peaceful activism.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-12
Dr. Mahrang Baloch Charged with Terrorism Over Allegations Against Security Institutions

Renowned rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has been charged in a terrorism case for allegedly inciting the public by making accusations against Pakistan's security institutions. The case, registered by Malir district’s Quaidabad police, has sparked widespread debate and concern among human rights groups.

 

Dr. Baloch has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Baloch people, organizing sit-ins and protests over enforced disappearances in Balochistan. However, on Friday, a first information report (FIR) was filed against her by a local resident named Asad Ali Shams, accusing her of inciting violence in the area. The FIR invoked multiple sections of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and Pakistan Penal Code, including charges related to sedition, defamation, and promotion of enmity between groups.

 

The allegations come just days after immigration authorities at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport barred Dr. Baloch from boarding a flight to New York, where she was scheduled to attend Time magazine’s “Time100Next” gala. The activist was recognized for her work and was due to be honored at the event. Despite holding a valid US visa and an official invitation, Dr. Baloch was prevented from traveling. She claims the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) blocked her departure, and she has vowed to challenge this decision in court.

 

The FIR further accuses Dr. Baloch of collaborating with militant groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and inciting the people of Balochistan against the state. In response, Dr. Baloch has firmly denied the accusations, stating that the case is part of a "systematic campaign" to harass her and discredit her peaceful activism.

 

“My peaceful activism will not be deterred by such illegal, unconstitutional, and coercive tactics,” Baloch said in a statement. She added that these measures are an attempt to divert attention from the failures of security agencies and to intimidate those advocating for the Baloch cause.

 

Dr. Baloch, who has long been at the forefront of raising awareness about human rights violations in Balochistan, remains resolute. "I will fight this in a court of law," she vowed, emphasizing that such actions by the state will not weaken her determination.

 

At a press conference earlier this week at the Karachi Press Club, Dr. Baloch revealed that she and her colleagues were harassed by law enforcement officials while returning from the airport. She was accompanied by fellow rights activists, including Wahab Baloch and Qazi Khizar of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, who also condemned the state’s actions against peaceful activists.

 

The legal case against Dr. Mahrang Baloch highlights the ongoing struggles faced by human rights defenders in Pakistan, particularly those advocating for marginalized communities such as the Baloch people. While the state accuses her of anti-national activities, many see this as a broader attempt to silence dissent and stifle activism.

 
Tagged:

Balochistan

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HumanRights

MahrangBaloch

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