Three supporters of the Awami Action Committee in Hunza, who were arrested last week during a police crackdown at a peaceful sit-in, have now been released. While this is an important victory, the legal case against them has not been cancelled, leaving them threatened with future persecution by the authorities.
In addition, Ehsan Ali’s petition in the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court to suspend his name from the infamous Fourth Schedule – an ‘anti-terrorism’ measure that placed him under continuous surveillance – has been dismissed. This is an outrageous move that would continue to suppress Ehsan Ali’s legitimate right to dissent, even once freed.
We will continue to campaign tirelessly for the release of Ehsan Ali and the imprisoned leaders of the AAC. We will not stop until all of these activists no longer face persecution and suppression, whether in jail or in the streets.
Free Ehsan Ali! Hands off the AAC!