MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somali woman activist, Sadia Moalin Ali, known as Sadia Bajaaj, a female tuk-tuk (bajaj) driver who has been in detention in Mogadishu for over two months, is expected to be brought before the Banadir Regional Court tomorrow for a second appearance.
Her lawyers and family told Kaab TV that she will face amended charges brought by the prosecutor’s office after earlier charges were returned by the court last week.
Last week, the presiding judge rejected two initial charges against her, namely “insulting state institutions” and “incitement.”
The judge handling the case was subsequently replaced. Reports obtained by Kaab TV indicate that a new judge, Salah Ali Mohamud (Saalax Dabaan), who is reportedly related to former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has now been assigned to the case—raising concern among observers and civil society groups.
Human rights reporting, including an investigation by The Guardian, has documented allegations by Sadia that she was subjected to serious abuse in detention, including being “stripped naked and beaten by guards”.
The Guardian report states she described being kicked, beaten with batons, and held in harsh conditions following her arrest for her online activism.
These allegations have not been independently verified by Kaab TV, while Somali authorities have not publicly responded in detail to the claims.
The Geeska Freedom Centre has also issued a statement expressing concern over Sadia’s prolonged detention, the reported procedural irregularities in her case, and allegations of ill-treatment.
The group called for her immediate access to legal safeguards, an independent investigation into her detention conditions, and respect for freedom of expression protections under Somali and international law.
Young people in Mogadishu held a press conference this afternoon calling for Sacdiyo’s immediate release. They also accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of political interference in her case and linked her detention to her critical social media posts.
Sadia was arrested on 12 April after posting videos online in which she criticised the president and his family, alleging corruption and abuse of power. She had also taken part in March protests by Mogadishu bajaj (rickshaw) drivers over rising fuel prices and economic hardship.
The case continues to draw widespread public attention amid growing debate over freedom of expression and treatment of detainees in Somalia.