Front Line Defenders Demand Release of Idris Khattak
Human Rights Advocate in Pakistan
Idris Khattak, a well-known human rights defender in Pakistan, has been imprisoned for five years under harsh conditions. Front Line Defenders, an organization supporting human rights activists, has called for his immediate release due to his deteriorating health and safety concerns.
Khattak was abducted on November 13, 2019, and later tried by a military court under the Official Secrets Act. In December 2021, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. His imprisonment has been marked by unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
Front Line Defenders posted on social media, urging Pakistani authorities to end Khattak’s persecution, especially considering his age and health issues. They highlighted his work advocating for religious and ethnic minorities and called for his safe return to his family.
United Nations human rights experts have also criticized Khattak’s conviction, describing it as an attack on the human rights community in Pakistan. They expressed concern over the message it sends to civil society activists who report on military and security force violations.
Pakistan has a history of human rights violations, including the enforced disappearance of activists. Those abducted often lack medical care and are denied family visits.
Doubts Revealed
Front Line Defenders -: Front Line Defenders is an organization that helps people who work to protect human rights. They support these people when they are in danger or face problems because of their work.
Idris Khattak -: Idris Khattak is a person who works to protect human rights in Pakistan. He helps people who are treated unfairly because of their religion or ethnicity.
Human Rights Advocate -: A human rights advocate is someone who works to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has their basic rights respected. They help people who are being treated badly or unfairly.
Pakistan -: Pakistan is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has a lot of different cultures and languages, and sometimes there are problems with how people are treated there.
Military Court -: A military court is a special court that deals with cases involving the military or national security. It is different from regular courts and sometimes has different rules.
UN Experts -: UN experts are people who work for the United Nations, an international organization that helps countries work together. They give advice and opinions on important issues like human rights.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and their families don’t know where they are. It’s a serious problem because it violates human rights.
