LONDON, Dec 6: British police have arrested two supporters of an outlawed separatist movement, a human rights campaigner said here on Thursday.

Scotland Yard said the two men, aged 25 and 39, were detained in early morning raids on Tuesday in north and north-west London on suspicion of the “commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.

Activist Peter Tatchell said the pair were lawful supporters of the independence movement in Balochistan and feared they could be extradited to Pakistan to face a possible death sentence.

He urged the British government not to give in to pressure from Pakistan because their extradition would result in their arrest, torture, imprisonment and possible execution.

“The Pakistani authorities have repeatedly sought to frame peaceful nationalists and human rights campaigners, both inside Balochistan and abroad.”

Mr Tatchell named the men as Faiz Mohammed Baloch — with whom he has worked on human rights campaigns — and Nawabzada Hyrbiyar Marri.

“These arrests are likely to have been at the request of the Pakistan government, which has long been seeking the extradition of Baloch nationalists exiled in London,” he added.

Scotland Yard said the two men had not been arrested on extradition warrants and would not confirm their identities.

The arrests come less than one month after Pakistan began proceedings for the extradition to Britain of Rashid Rauf, a suspect in an alleged plot to blow up US-bound passenger planes.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...