CSHRD Condemns the Sentencing of Human Rights Defender Sadia Moalim Ali and Calls for Her Immediate Release
Mogadishu, Somalia – 25 June 2026
The Coalition of Somali HRDs (CSHRD) strongly condemns the decision of the Banadir Regional Court to sentence Somali human rights defender and social activist Sadia Moalim Ali (Sadia Bajaaj) to three years’ imprisonment over allegations of insulting the incumbent President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Sadia was arrested on 12 April 2026 by officers of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) following her peaceful activism, including expressing her views on social media and participating in peaceful protests. Her conviction and harsh sentence represent a serious attack on freedom of expression and the legitimate work of human rights defenders in Somalia.
CSHRD believes that the prosecution and sentencing of Sadia appear to be politically motivated and are intended to silence critical voices and discourage peaceful dissent. The use of criminal proceedings against individuals for expressing their opinions undermines the rule of law and Somalia’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The case also reflects a broader pattern of systematic discrimination against women who participate in public life and advocate for social and political change. Women human rights defenders in Somalia continue to face disproportionate risks, including arbitrary arrest, judicial harassment, intimidation, online abuse, and gender-based discrimination aimed at excluding them from civic and political participation.
CSHRD calls on the Federal Government of Somalia to:
– Immediately and unconditionally release Sadia Moalim Ali.
– Quash the conviction and sentence imposed by the Banadir Regional Court.
– End the misuse of the criminal justice system to suppress peaceful expression and legitimate human rights work.
– Guarantee the safety and protection of women human rights defenders and ensure that they can carry out their work without fear of reprisals or discrimination.
– Uphold Somalia’s obligations under the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, particularly with respect to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, equality before the law, and non-discrimination.
CSHRD stands in solidarity with Sadia Moalim Ali and all human rights defenders who continue to face persecution for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights. A democratic Somalia must protect—not criminalize—those who speak out in defence of human rights, accountability, and justice.
CSHRD Advocacy Team