QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN: Pakistani security forces cracked down on a peaceful protest organized by the families of imprisoned Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) leaders in Quetta on Sunday, arresting multiple demonstrators including Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s younger sister, prompting protesters to block Bashir Chowk and convert the demonstration into a sit-in that continues at the time of reporting.
The protest was part of an ongoing series of demonstrations against the life imprisonment sentences handed down to BYC central leadership, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Shah Ji Baloch, by an Anti-Terrorism Court. Families of the imprisoned leaders had announced a peaceful protest at Burma Hotel, Saryab Road, Quetta, to demand the release of the imprisoned leaders and to raise their voices against what they described as ongoing state action against them.
According to family members and participants, heavy contingents of police and other security forces personnel were deployed at the protest site even before the demonstration began. As soon as protesters began their peaceful demonstration, security forces attempted to disperse them.
During the crackdown, Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s younger sister and several other demonstrators were taken into custody.
In response to the arrests, demonstrators blocked Bashir Chowk in protest and converted the demonstration into a sit-in. The sit-in was ongoing at the time of reporting, with protesters vowing to remain in place until all arrested individuals are released.
“We will not end our protest until every arrested person is freed,” demonstrators stated.
Protesters appealed to the conscious citizens of Quetta, human rights organizations, lawyers, political activists, and civil society members to join the sit-in, express solidarity and raise their voices for justice, fundamental rights, and the rule of law.
