Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Sammi Deen Baloch has criticised social media influencers and self-proclaimed journalists for allegedly harassing Baloch families who have been staging peaceful demonstrations in Islamabad for the past twelve days.
Speaking about the ongoing protest by Baloch mothers and sisters in the federal capital, Sammi Baloch said that while mainstream media and professional journalists have maintained complete silence on the demonstrations, some social media influencers and self-styled “journalists” who allegedly lack knowledge of media ethics and basic journalism principles are harassing protesters by forcibly making videos of them in pursuit of views and followers.
She described this behavior as not only unethical but also a dangerous form of profiling, surveillance, harassment, and promotion of state propaganda, claiming that these individuals are exposing themselves while attempting to expose others.
The BYC leader claimed that the videos made by these individuals of Baloch protesters, students, and women without their consent constitute a clear violation of their right to privacy and protection. She stated that a fundamental principle of journalism is to treat affected or protesting individuals with dignity, empathy, and confidentiality, rather than forcing them in front of cameras and further harassing them.
She said that such individuals – whether influencers, digital media groups, TikTokers, or YouTubers – who are involved in propaganda targeting helpless and vulnerable mothers and children who came to Islamabad seeking justice, are mocking their pain, harassing them, and strengthening state propaganda against their peaceful protest.
She described this as contrary to humanity and ethics, and equivalent to rubbing salt to their wounds.
Sammi Deen Baloch added that the reality of such cheap media influencers and where they are allegedly being controlled from is not hidden from anyone, claiming that no conscious and informed person would accept their propaganda.