Baloch Voice for Justice urges the Netherlands to release activist Rashid Ahmed and halt deportation proceedings, citing alleged risks to his safety in Pakistan…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Baloch Voice for Justice has urged the Dutch government to release Baloch political activist Rashid Ahmed, also known as Fida Rafiq, and suspend any deportation proceedings, warning that his return to Pakistan could put his life and safety at risk.
In a statement issued on October 20, the organisation expressed concern over Ahmed’s detention in the Netherlands and alleged that Baloch political activists and human rights defenders face enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial killings in custody in Balochistan.
The organisation said the alleged abuses had created an atmosphere of fear for those advocating justice, freedom and the fundamental rights of the Baloch people. It warned that deporting Ahmed to Pakistan could expose him to persecution and other serious threats.
Baloch Voice for Justice called on the Dutch government, the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and the relevant judicial authorities to intervene in the case.
The organisation demanded Ahmed’s immediate release from detention, a halt to deportation proceedings and a fair, independent and thorough assessment of his asylum application. It said the assessment should take into account the risks allegedly faced by Baloch political activists and human rights defenders in Pakistan.
The statement also stressed the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits authorities from returning individuals to countries where they face a real risk of persecution, torture or other serious human rights violations.
Baloch Voice for Justice urged the Dutch authorities to ensure Ahmed was not sent to a country where he could face enforced disappearance, torture or other forms of persecution.
The organisation reiterated that the Netherlands must meet its international human rights obligations while safeguarding Ahmed’s life, security and freedom and ensuring his right to a fair asylum process.
The statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of Ahmed’s detention, the status of his asylum application or the stage of any deportation proceedings. The allegations regarding risks to his safety were made by Baloch Voice for Justice.
