The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) said a judge hearing detained activist Gulzadi Baloch’s case had repeatedly spoken of pressure to impose a life sentence or the death penalty, and accused the court of proceeding without her lawyer.
The group said the court continued with the case on Sept. 7 despite a court strike and the absence of defence counsel, during which a witness was cross-examined without defence representation.
“On multiple occasions, the judge has stated that he is under pressure and may have to award life imprisonment or even a death sentence,” the BYC said in a statement posted on X.
The allegations come after an anti-terrorism court in Quetta sentenced BYC chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch and central leader Sibghatullah Shahji to life imprisonment in June.
Read More: Life Sentence: Mahrang and the Trial of Balochistan’s Peaceful Politics — TBP Report
The BYC said the hearing raised concerns under Article 10-A of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees a fair trial, and Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which covers access to legal assistance and the preparation of a defence.
Gulzadi Baloch, a BYC member and woman human rights defender, was arrested in Quetta on April 7, 2025. She was initially detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act, while subsequent cases and remand proceedings have kept her in custody.
In June, Gulzadi and other detained BYC leaders staged a sit-in inside Huda Jail after their cases were moved to video-link proceedings. They demanded open-court hearings and access to their lawyers and families.
Read More: BYC Leaders’ Jail Sit-In Against ‘Faceless Trial’ Continues for Fourth Day
The BYC also accused the Balochistan High Court of failing to address prolonged detention and delays in deciding bail applications. It called for the conduct of the judge to be examined and for pending bail and constitutional matters to be decided promptly.
“No institution should be permitted to undermine fundamental rights or allow judicial delay to become a substitute for justice.”