The case of Rashid Hussain Baloch, a 23-year-old Pakistani activist of Baloch ethnicity, has garnered international attention due to the unlawful detention and human rights violations he has faced. With a history of persecution and fear for his life, Rashid sought refuge in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) only to be forcibly detained by Emirati security forces in December 2018. The circumstances surrounding his detention, the lack of due process, and the concerns of his family and supporters raise alarming questions about human rights violations and the need for a fair trial.
Background of Persecution: Rashid Hussain Brohi, hailing from Shahdadkot in Sindh province, Pakistan, was an activist in the Baloch National Movement. Between 2010 and 2016, his family members, including his 14-year-old cousin, elderly uncle (by marriage), and fellow activists, were kidnapped and murdered under mysterious circumstances. These deaths were attributed by family members to the Pakistani security forces, leading to heightened fear for Rashid's safety.
Unlawful Detention in the UAE: In August 2017, Rashid Hussain fled to the UAE, seeking safety and employment at a relative's appliance installation and servicing company in Dubai. However, on the morning of December 26, 2018, while commuting with colleagues to work, Rashid was abruptly detained by Emirati security forces on the E88 highway in Sharjah. Without any warrants or explanations, two individuals claiming to be Emirati intelligence agents stopped their vehicle and took Rashid into custody.
Lack of Transparency and Enforced Disappearance: Following Rashid's detention, his family and close associates in the UAE made inquiries with the Emirati police and the court system but received no information about his whereabouts. On December 29, 2018, armed personnel raided Rashid's family home in Ajman, searching for his passport but failing to find it. Since then, Rashid has been incommunicado, with his family receiving threatening calls demanding the submission of his passport to the Khalifa City Police Station in Abu Dhabi. Such prolonged incommunicado detention aligns with the definition of enforced disappearance under international law.
Charges and Calls for Fair Trial: Reports from Pakistani authorities suggest that Rashid Hussain Brohi is wanted in connection with his alleged involvement in an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in November 2018. However, it is crucial that if there are criminal charges against him, any legal proceedings, including extradition, must adhere to the principles of a fair trial. This includes public court proceedings and access to legal representation from the outset of his detention. International law strictly prohibits refoulement, the forcible return of a migrant who fears persecution in their country of origin.
The case of Rashid Hussain Baloch has attracted significant attention from human rights activists, organizations, and individuals worldwide. Advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into his unlawful detention and the violation of his rights. The international community must exert pressure on the UAE and Pakistan to ensure his safe recovery, fair treatment, and adherence to human rights standards.
Rashid Hussain Baloch's case brings to light the urgent need to address human rights violations, unlawful detentions, and enforced disappearances. The international community must continue to stand in solidarity with Rashid and his family, demanding justice and fair treatment. It is only through sustained advocacy and the protection of human rights that we can strive for a world where individuals like Rashid are safe from persecution and injustice.
0 Comments