Balochistan: Concerns Rise Over Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s Health and Safety in Prison

QUETTA: The sister of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has raised alarming concerns regarding the conditions Dr. Baloch is enduring in prison.

In a recent statement, she revealed that she visited Huda Jail in Quetta today to meet Dr. Mahrang, following a directive from the Balochistan High Court, which had instructed prison authorities to allow regular meetings with her. However, despite the court’s order, Dr. Mahrang’s sister was detained for three hours before she was allowed to meet her.

She expressed grave concerns over Dr. Mahrang’s safety, highlighting the severe risks to her life and health, as she is being kept in the same facility as dangerous criminals. The sister mentioned that when Dr. Mahrang resisted this, she was threatened with solitary confinement.

Moreover, Dr. Mahrang’s sister disclosed that surveillance cameras had been installed directly outside her jail cell and washroom, meaning she is under constant 24-hour observation. She stressed that Dr. Mahrang’s privacy is being completely violated, even to the point that her clothing choices are being monitored.

“The food provided to her is extremely unhealthy and possibly contaminated,” the sister said. “Both Dr. Mahrang and Beebo Baloch have fallen ill because of it, but despite their condition, they have not received any medical attention.”

The sister also emphasised that Dr. Mahrang is not being treated as a political prisoner, and she is being deprived of her fundamental rights. “They are being subjected to conditions that are inhumane and illegal,” she said.

In light of these serious concerns, Dr. Mahrang’s sister made an urgent appeal to the legal community in Quetta and human rights organisations to take immediate action to ensure her safety and that of Beebo Baloch. She called for steps to guarantee that both women receive a fair trial and that their basic rights are protected.

This situation has raised questions about the treatment of political prisoners in Balochistan, particularly in light of ongoing protests and the increasing repression of activists from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.