Baloch Yakjehti Committee condemns prison hearings for detained leaders

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has slammed Pakistani authorities for holding hearings of its leaders in prison, calling it a blatant move to suppress transparency and prevent public oversight. The BYC leaders—Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, and Sibghatullah Shahjee—have been locked up since March and have faced repeated remand extensions, with no access to legal representatives.

In a statement, the BYC condemned the closed-door hearings, held behind prison walls, as a deliberate attempt to block public scrutiny. They argue that this move violates Pakistan’s constitution and international fair trial standards. Arrested for a peaceful protest against enforced disappearances, the BYC leadership has endured multiple illegalities since their detention, including charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Their arrests, which followed a police crackdown in March, have sparked outrage over their continued detention and lack of due process. Despite being arrested under public order laws, the authorities have kept extending their remands without trial.