Families of BYC Leaders Barred from Press Conference
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: Family members of detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were prevented from holding a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Monday.
The families had planned to address the media regarding the imprisonment, legal proceedings and health conditions of the group’s leadership, including prominent activist Mahrang Baloch. However, Quetta police and local administration cordoned off the press club premises and stopped them from entering.
Relatives stated that when they attempted to hold the press conference outside the press club, police created further obstacles. Speaking to journalists outside the venue, Mahrang Baloch’s sister said that the BYC leadership has now completed one year in detention. She added that the families had gathered to discuss the status of the leaders’ cases and to raise concerns about Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s deteriorating health.
According to the family, they were stopped early in the morning and told to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner before proceeding. They said that other groups were allowed to hold press conferences without being asked for such documentation.
“When we questioned why an NOC was not required from others but demanded from us, we were told that there were ‘orders from above,’” a family member said. They further added that they were informed that only families of individuals involved in cases related to militancy or narcotics would be permitted to hold press conferences at the location, while families of missing persons or members of political parties would not be allowed.
Mahrang Baloch’s sister said that, left with no alternative, they began their press conference while seated on the steps outside the press club. Shortly afterwards, a heavy police contingent arrived and attempted to disperse journalists to prevent media coverage of their statements.
The families criticised the worsening environment for freedom of expression in Balochistan, saying that the situation has reached a point where “even speaking and asking questions is no longer permitted.”
Reports regarding Mahrang Baloch’s detention indicate that her health has deteriorated. The family says that authorities, acting under government directives, have refused to provide her with a medical examination.
In addition, relatives said that legal proceedings involving the BYC leadership have stalled due to political pressure. They maintained that courts have halted progress in the cases under external influence rather than on merit, significantly affecting the judicial process.
