Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch sentenced to life in prison in Pakistan
A Pakistani court has sentenced prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment, sparking criticism from human rights groups and political observers. Baloch, a leading voice for the rights of the Baloch people, was convicted on charges of sedition and inciting violence, according to court documents.
The trial, held in a special court in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, was criticised by rights groups for lacking due process. Witnesses reported that Baloch was denied access to legal counsel during initial hearings and that key evidence was not shared with the defence.
Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populated province, has been the site of a long-running insurgency by separatist groups alleging economic and political marginalisation by the federal government. Baloch activists have frequently faced crackdowns, with many being detained under sedition laws.
The sentence has drawn condemnation from international organisations, including Amnesty International, which called it a 'mockery of justice'. The Pakistani government, however, defended the verdict, stating that Baloch was given a fair trial and that her actions posed a threat to national security.
Baloch's legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court. The case is expected to further fuel tensions in the restive province, where human rights abuses have been a longstanding concern.
