QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN: Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) Chairman Nasrullah Baloch has expressed serious concern over the ongoing judicial proceedings against Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, saying that every citizen has the right to a transparent, fair, and open hearing in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan, national laws, and international human rights principles, and that this right must be ensured under all circumstances.
Nasrullah Baloch said that more than fourteen months have passed since the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and her companions, yet questions continue to be raised regarding the manner in which their cases are being heard. He said the cases were initially heard in an Anti-Terrorism Court, after which proceedings were conducted through jail trials, and are now being held under a video link or ‘Faceless Court System.’
The VBMP chairman said that the requirements of justice are not limited to the final verdict alone, but that the judicial process itself must be transparent, impartial, and in accordance with public trust. He said that arrangements which limit effective communication between the accused, their lawyers, and the court proceedings can give rise to serious concerns regarding the right to a fair trial, and that it is therefore essential to ensure full respect for all legal requirements and fundamental rights.
Nasrullah Baloch further said that the hearing of cases of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other detained BYC leaders through jail trials and video link has also raised questions regarding the transparency of judicial proceedings and public oversight and that these concerns must be addressed in accordance with the principles of law and justice.
He demanded that the cases of the detained BYC leaders be heard under a procedure that is fully in accordance with the requirements of transparency, fair trial, and legal rights. He also demanded that the detained leaders be provided effective access to their lawyers, contact with their families, and all legal facilities necessary for the preparation of their defence so that public confidence in the judicial process is maintained.
Nasrullah Baloch concluded by saying that the fundamental requirement of the delivery of justice is that judicial proceedings must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair and that the full protection of the constitutional and legal rights of all parties must be ensured.
