Families of detained BYC leaders protest outside Hudda Jail against ‘faceless trials’

Family members of detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) staged a sit-in outside Hudda Jail in Quetta on Saturday, demanding meetings with their relatives and calling for an end to what they described as “faceless trials” against Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders.

Meanwhile, the detained BYC leaders continued their own sit-in inside the jail for the eighth consecutive day, protesting what they termed unfair and non-transparent legal proceedings conducted without their presence or legal representation.

Nadia Baloch, sister of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, stated that families had gathered outside Hudda Jail to support the detainees’ call for fair and transparent trials. “Our demands are clear: end faceless trials, hold open court hearings, and replace the biased judge,” she emphasized.

She further explained that Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders had been protesting inside the jail for eight days against the current trial process, while their families sought access to them and information about their health and conditions.

“We will continue our struggle until this oppression ends,” Nadia Baloch declared, urging people from all walks of life to join the sit-in and “be the voice of those who once were your voice.”

She accused police of attempting to disrupt the peaceful protest outside the jail, but said the protesters remained peaceful and continued their demonstration. After receiving assurances from authorities that family members would be allowed to meet the detained leaders at 2:00 pm, the protesters agreed to clear the road and continue their sit-in on the roadside.

However, a large police presence later arrived at the scene, raising fears of a crackdown against the families or the protesting leaders inside the jail. Several participants and supporters also alleged police harassment and attempted detention of family members taking part in the protest.

Shalee Baloch, chief organizer of the Baloch Women Forum (BWF), expressed concern over the police’s reported use of force and harassment against families during what was intended to be a peaceful gathering. She emphasized that the families’ only aim was to access their loved ones and seek clarity about their conditions amid the ongoing “faceless trial” process.

Dr. Sabiha Baloch condemned the actions against the protesters, stating that peaceful family assemblies to seek information and assert rights were met with harassment and intimidation. “The deployment of police pressure against grieving families reveals a state that views peaceful dissent as something to be suppressed rather than heard,” she remarked.

Advocate Sajid Tareen also criticized police behavior, calling it “shameful,” and emphasized that every individual has the right to a fair judicial process under the law.

The BYC stated that its detained leaders had rejected the “faceless trial” procedure and the court-appointed lawyers, but alleged that court proceedings continued despite their refusal. According to the organization, prison authorities informed the court that the accused had rejected the legal process and did not accept court-appointed counsel. The BYC argued that every accused has the right to choose their own lawyer and that forcing legal representation against their wishes violates principles of justice and due process.

The organization further claimed that prosecution authorities pressured the court to expedite the trial, and that hearings were held without the presence of the accused or their legal representatives, undermining judicial independence and transparency.

The case against Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders is scheduled for a verdict on Monday, June 22. Reports indicate that the trial concluded without the accused or their preferred legal counsel being present, as family access was restricted, and defense lawyers were reportedly denied meetings with their clients. Instead, state-appointed lawyers were assigned to represent the accused.

Advocate Jadain Dashti Baloch, Vice Chairman of the Balochistan Bar and a member of Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s legal team, criticized the proceedings on social media, describing them as reflective of the state’s flawed institutions and judicial system.

The BYC has called on bar councils, legal organizations, human rights groups, journalists, and civil society to speak out against the trial process, demanding open-court proceedings, family access, and the right to independently chosen legal counsel.

Authorities have yet to publicly respond in detail to the allegations raised by families, lawyers, and the BYC regarding the conduct of the trial and the events outside Hudda Jail.