Thanks to an international campaign, climate activist Baba Jan and three fellow political prisoners were finally freed on November 28.
They were the last to be released of a group of political prisoners from the Hunza Valley in Gilgit Baltistan, a semi-autonomous territory under Pakistani control.
Following a politically-motivated prosecution, Baba Jan was imprisoned for supporting villagers impacted by the construction of an artificial lake in 2010, following an ecological disaster in the Hunza Basin. During detention, Baba Jan contested the state assembly election, in which he came second, reflecting the huge support he enjoys.
Baba Jan was first sentenced in 2014 to the equivalent of life imprisonment. He was sentenced a second time for having organised a prisoners鈥 strike for decent food and access to healthcare.
鈥淒uring his detention, Baba Jan was tortured. His health deteriorated dangerously and essential medical examinations were, for a time, refused to him,鈥 wrote French socialist Pierre Rousset. 鈥淰ery temporarily released on parole, he was threatened with kidnap.
鈥淭he Pakistani government thought that what was happening in the 鈥渞emote鈥 territory of Gilgit-Baltistan would remain ignored outside its borders. It was particularly shocked when the fate of Baba Jan was mentioned in a European Parliament resolution.
鈥淏aba Jan represents one of those 鈥榗ommon causes鈥 where all democratic and progressive forces can stand together. We welcome his release.鈥