An anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Quetta granted pre-trial detention to the 10-day police from Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the head of the Baloch Yakjehti committee (BYC) and five other members of the group.
ATC’s decision is an extension of their current detention, which has already lasted more than three months.
During Tuesday’s hearing, six BYC members, including Dr. Mahrang, were presented before judge Saadat Bazai. The court approved the prosecutor’s request to extend their pre -trial detention, giving investigators for more time for interrogation. The other detained activists are Gulzadi, Bebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Ghaffar Baloch and Beberg Baloch.
The detainees were represented before the court by lawyer Israr Baloch and the lawyer Shoaib Baloch, who pleaded against prolonged detention. However, the judge ruled in favor of the State, citing the need for a more in -depth investigation.
BYC, known for its activism against forced disappearances in Balutchistan since 2018, is being controlled by law enforcement organizations.
Dr. Mahrang and several of his colleagues were initially arrested in March after a demonstration became tense near the Civil Hospital in Quetta. Authorities accused them of prompting public disorders and confronting the police during the demonstration.
Dr. Mahrang is currently detained in the Hudda district prison of Quetta under article 3 of the law on public order (MPO) – a legal provision which allows the pre -trial detention of persons considered as a threat to public peace.
