Old Video Falsely Shared As Independence Day Celebration In Balochistan
BOOM found that the video is from 27 January 2024 when Mahrang Baloch addressed a massive public gathering in Quetta, Pakistan.
A video of Baloch political activist Dr Mahrang Baloch addressing a large crowd is being shared on social media with the false claim that she declared Balochistan (a province in Pakistan) an independent country.
BOOM found that the video is from January 27, 2024, when Baloch addressed a rally in Quetta against alleged enforced disappearances in Balochistan, and contains no such declaration of independence.
The video has surfaced amid unrest in Balochistan, which is in a state of turmoil due to alleged exploitation of minerals and natural resources by the central government in Islamabad. Nationalist sentiments in the region have been met with counter-insurgency measures like enforced disappearances, which have led to further resentment among local groups.
The Claim:
The 22-second video of the activist addressing a crowd is being shared with claims that she asserted Balochistan's demand for freedom and is a symbol of resistance.
Archive available here.
What We Found:
1) Video from 27 January, 2024
A reverse image search led BOOM to an X post from news outlet 'The Balochistan Post' dated 27 January, 2024 with a caption stating that thousands responded to Baloch's chants.
2) News reports confirm rally against enforced disappearances
A keyword search led BOOM to local news reports from the same date, confirming that the visuals show Baloch addressing a Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest in Quetta against enforced disappearances.
Furthermore, on June 22, Baloch and another civil rights activist were sentenced to life imprisonment over the killing of a paramilitary soldier during a June 2024 protest.
