PRESS RELEASE
CSHRD Welcomes Sadia Moalim’s Release and Calls for Continued Protection, Justice and Accountability
Mogadishu, Somalia — 12 August 2026
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) warmly welcomes the release of our colleague and women human rights defender Sadia Moalim following the decision of the Banadir Regional Court of Appeal.
The judge in the Court Room
Sadia’s release is an important victory for justice, gender equality, freedom of expression and the protection of human rights defenders in Somalia. It also demonstrates the importance of sustained national and international solidarity and advocacy in defending human rights.
CSHRD has led and coordinated national and international advocacy for Sadia’s freedom and justice, working with human rights defenders, civil-society organisations, lawyers, media actors and international partners.
The struggle is not over
While we celebrate Sadia’s freedom, CSHRD stresses that the case remains a matter of serious concern.
We understand that the prosecution has challenged the Appeal Court decision. Consequently, Sadia continues to face legal uncertainty and the possibility of further proceedings, including the risk of renewed detention should the appeal result in her remand.
CSHRD is also concerned about potential reprisals, intimidation or other forms of pressure against Sadia because of her activism and public human-rights work. Any such threats must be taken seriously and independently documented.
Our holistic advocacy must continue
CSHRD therefore calls for the continuation of a holistic protection and advocacy strategy for Sadia, combining:
Legal advocacy and support throughout the remaining court proceedings;
National and international human-rights advocacy;
Monitoring and documentation of any further violations or reprisals;
Protection and security support for Sadia and those supporting her;
Engagement with national, regional and international human-rights mechanisms;
Advocacy for respect for freedom of expression, peaceful activism and civic space; and
Continued solidarity with Sadia as a woman human-rights defender.
Sadia’s case has implications beyond one individual. It raises broader concerns about the environment in which Somali human rights defenders, women activists, journalists and civil-society actors exercise their fundamental rights.
CSHRD is particularly concerned that the continued legal proceedings and any possible intimidation or surveillance of defenders could create a dangerous chilling effect on Somalia’s civic space.
A victory, but not the end
Today, we celebrate Sadia’s freedom.
But release is not the end of justice, and victory in one court does not eliminate the risks she continues to face.
CSHRD will remain beside Sadia throughout the next stage of the legal battle and will continue working with national and international partners to ensure that she is protected and that her fundamental rights are respected.
Sadia is free today. Our advocacy continues until justice is secured.
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
Mogadishu, Somalia
12 August 2026
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