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SHC rejects state appeal challenging Mahrang's acquittal in terrorism, sedition case

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday dismissed a provincial government appeal challenging the acquittal of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrang Baloch in an incitement case, declaring the appeal not maintainable. The case against Mahrang and others was registered in Karachi on Oct 11, 2024, on the complaint of a citizen, Asad Ali, under the country's terror law. The complainant stated that Mahrang was a facilitator of terrorist organisations that were enticing educated youth from Balochistan and arranging a movement of terrorists under the guise of processions and rallies. A year later, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) acquitted Mahrang, ruling that the prosecution had failed to present credible evidence. Subsequently, the acting prosecutor general Sindh challenged the acquittal before the SHC in December 2025. During today's hearing, the high court questioned the prosecution's authority to challenge the acquittal, observing that the original complainant in the case was a private individual. The bench questioned how the prosecution could independently file an appeal against the acquittal when the case had been lodged by a private complainant. The prosecution argued that the ATC had overlooked material facts while allowing Mahrang's application for acquittal. The state counsel maintained that clear evidence existed against her and argued that the prosecution should have been allowed to present its evidence during the trial. The prosecutor further contended that acquitting her before the formal framing of charges was inappropriate, as the prosecution had not yet presented its case before the trial court. However, the high court declared the appeal not maintainable and dismissed it, leaving the ATC's acquittal decision undisturbed. The BYC, known for its activism against enforced disappearances in Balochistan since 2018, has been under increasing scrutiny by law enforcement agencies. Mahrang has been in custody since March 22, 2025, following her arrest during protests in Quetta over alleged enforced disappearances and other human rights violations in Balochistan. Her lawyer, Imaan Mazari, is also facing different charges, including those of terrorism and is also currently detained along with her husband. On June 22, 2026, an ATC in Quetta sentenced her to life imprisonment in a separate case involving the killing of a security officer during a protest in Gwadar in July 2024. The conviction drew criticism from human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, which raised concerns over due process and the fairness of the trial. With additional input from Reuters.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/wR1Fnsm
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