18 November 2010
Abdul Hameed Hayatan
Shooting
The body of Abdul Hameed Hayatan, a young Baloch journalist who was kidnapped in the southwestern port city of Gwadar, Pakistan, on 25 October was found beside the River Sami in Turbat, 40 km to the east, on 18 November.
His reporting critical of the Pakistani authorities and his support for the Baloch national movement were almost certainly the motive for his abduction and murder. Hayatan was shot in the head and chest. Marks on his body clearly indicated that he was tortured before being killed.
The body of a student, Hamid Ismail, was found alongside Hayatan’s. In a reference to a Muslim Eid (festival) that has just ended, a message found with the bodies said: “Eid present for the Baloch people.” Journalists based in Balochistan told Reporters Without Borders that Hayatan was probably murdered by members of the security forces (who are fighting Baloch armed separatists) or a Jihadi group.
