Empty Chair at WEXFO honours imprisoned Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch amidst ongoing human rights fight

A powerful tribute to voices silenced by oppression took center stage at the ongoing World Expression Forum (WEXFO) in Lillehammer. During one of the sessions, organizers reserved an empty chair to symbolize the absence of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch human rights activist currently imprisoned in Balochistan. This symbolic gesture aimed to draw international attention to her case and to highlight the broader issue of repression faced by dissidents fighting for justice and freedom of expression.

The organizers made a clear statement alongside the empty chair, emphasizing its significance: “Dr. Mahrang Baloch is imprisoned today for speaking out against injustice. This empty chair stands in protest and in her honour.” The act resonated strongly with attendees, serving as a visual reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by activists who are silenced for their advocacy. The gesture became a compelling symbol of solidarity with those whose voices are forcibly silenced in many parts of the world.

The forum was attended by notable human rights advocates, including lawyer Imaan Mazari, journalist Kiyya Baloch, and a diverse group of international youth leaders and activists. Their presence underscored the global nature of the human rights movement and the importance of maintaining visibility for imprisoned and persecuted defenders. The symbolic tribute at WEXFO captured the attention of the international community and media, amplifying the call for justice and accountability.

Sharing a poignant photo of the empty chair on social media, Imaan Mazari remarked, “Dr. Mahrang Baloch was remembered today at the Human Rights Conference in Lillehammer.” Meanwhile, journalist Kiyya Baloch highlighted the significance of the silent tribute during Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa’s speech, noting that “one silent chair paid tribute to Dr. Mahrang Baloch,” standing for those who are silenced for telling the truth. These social media posts helped spread awareness about her case and the broader plight of oppressed voices.

Dr. Baloch’s sister, Nadia Baloch, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the forum for its symbolic act. She stated, “They didn’t just remember her name, they honored her as a symbol of courage and conscience.” Nadia also reflected on her sister’s bravery, recalling that Mahrang had spoken fearlessly from the same stage the previous year. Her current imprisonment, she said, was a direct result of her dedication to exposing injustice and advocating for human rights.

Nadia emphasized that the empty chair was more than a physical symbol of absence; it embodied the ongoing struggle against forces seeking to suppress dissent. “But it also reminds us that even in silence, resistance lives on,” she added, reaffirming her belief in the enduring spirit of activism. Her words underscored the importance of symbolic gestures in inspiring continued advocacy despite repression and danger.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who is a leading figure in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has been detained for several months under the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) law in Quetta. Legal efforts to challenge her detention have been unsuccessful, as petitions filed in local courts have been dismissed. Her arrest is part of a broader crackdown on Baloch activists and dissenters in the region.

She was detained alongside several fellow BYC members, including Beebow Baloch, Shah Ji Sibghatullah, Bebarg Zehri, and Gulzadi Baloch. All of them remain in custody under charges imposed by the Government of Balochistan, raising serious concerns about the shrinking space for political dissent and activism in the region. The repression of these activists continues to draw criticism from international human rights organizations.

The symbolic tribute at WEXFO served as a powerful reminder of the growing restrictions on free expression and dissent in Pakistan. It underscored the urgent need for the international community to pay closer attention to the plight of human rights defenders like Dr. Mahrang Baloch. The act of leaving an empty chair in her honour not only honored her courage but also called for renewed efforts to defend those fighting for justice and to hold oppressive regimes accountable.