Pakistan's 'Faceless Trials' in Balochistan Bar Accused From Seeing Who Accused Him
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Baloch activists condemn faceless trials, saying accused cannot see evidence or accusers, undermining justice and due process.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, June 21: Nine days into their prison protest, detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) continue to refuse what they call "faceless trials", alleging they are being denied the most basic rights of a fair hearing.
The protest has now become a flashpoint in Balochistan, with BYC accusing Pakistani authorities of using a controversial legal process that prevents defendants, their lawyers and families from seeing prosecutors, witnesses or even the evidence being presented against them.
Speaking at a press conference, BYC leader Dr Sabiha Baloch said the group's jailed leaders were protesting against what she described as a "shameless trial system".
"In these proceedings, the accused cannot see the prosecutors, witnesses or evidence. They cannot cross-examine anyone or challenge the evidence against them. Decisions can simply be imposed," she said.
The rights activist said the trials were taking place at a time when Balochistan was already facing growing concerns over enforced disappearances, security operations and alleged human rights violations.
According to Dr Baloch, BYC leaders have been jailed for speaking out against these issues
and demanding what she described as simple and legitimate rights.
"Our demands are clear: stop the Baloch genocide, allow people to live with dignity and ensure that the state follows its own Constitution and laws," she said.
She alleged that the state's treatment of BYC leaders, both inside prison and in courtrooms, reflects a wider effort to silence dissenting voices in Balochistan. The activist claimed that false cases had been registered against members of the organisation and that misleading narratives were being promoted to discredit the movement.
Dr Baloch also raised concerns about alleged pressure on the judiciary. She claimed that a senior prosecutor had pushed for the cases against BYC leaders to be concluded within ten days, while defendants and their lawyers were being denied opportunities to properly challenge the prosecution's case.
Meanwhile, the detained leaders have continued their prison protest, while BYC has launched a three-day online campaign against faceless trials. The organisation says it does not recognise the proceedings and insists that the accused have a legal right to choose their own lawyers.
One of the cases against BYC members is expected to reach a crucial stage on Monday. Dr Baloch questioned how other accused individuals could be punished if the principal accused in the same case had already been acquitted.
Calling on journalists, lawyers, judges and civil society groups across Pakistan to speak out, Dr Baloch warned that silence would only embolden what she described as growing injustice in Balochistan.
"If you remain silent and fail to uphold justice, then you too become complicit," she said.
