Sadiya Macalin Ali, widely known as Sadiya Bajaj, has appealed from Mogadishu Central Prison for an expedited hearing of her appeal, arguing that her three-year prison sentence stems from the peaceful expression of her political views rather than any criminal conduct.

In a handwritten letter released from prison, Sadiya said she is innocent of the charges against her and called for an independent judicial review of her conviction. She maintained that her constitutional rights had been violated and that the judicial process leading to her imprisonment failed to meet the standards of a fair trial.

Sadiya, a former Bajaj (auto-rickshaw) driver and mother of a 12-month-old child, said her infant requires constant maternal care and urged the court to take her parental responsibilities into account. Her legal team has also argued that the welfare of her child should be considered as part of the appeal proceedings.

She further revealed that she suffers from asthma and claimed she has not received adequate medical treatment since her detention. She requested access to an independent medical examination and appropriate healthcare while awaiting the outcome of her appeal.

Sadiya was arrested on April 12, 2026, and transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison two days later. On June 25, the Banadir Regional Court sentenced her to three years in prison after convicting her of charges including “insulting state institutions” and “incitement to commit an offense.” The charges stemmed from videos she posted on social media criticizing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of his family.

In her letter, Sadiya insisted she has never admitted guilt and rejected the accusations brought against her. She argued that the case represents punishment for expressing political opinions and warned against the use of criminal law to suppress peaceful criticism of public officials.

She also questioned the handling of her trial, claiming that the judge initially assigned to hear the case was replaced before the verdict was delivered and that the Chairman of the Banadir Regional Court ultimately presided over the proceedings that resulted in her conviction. She argued that these developments raised concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process.

Rather than seeking a presidential pardon, Sadiya said she wants an independent appeals court to review the evidence, court procedures, and legal basis of her conviction. She stressed that requesting a pardon would imply an admission of guilt, something she firmly rejects.

Among the requests outlined in her letter are an expedited appeal hearing, the appointment of an independent judge, full access for her lawyers to the case file, urgent medical care, and consideration of the interests of her young child. She also called for the appeal hearing to be open to the public, where permitted by law, and urged the judiciary to remain free from political influence and pressure generated through social media.

Sadiya further appealed to her supporters not to exploit her case to promote clan divisions, hate speech, or acts of revenge. She emphasized that her case should remain focused on justice and the rule of law rather than political or social conflict.

She argued that Somali citizens have the constitutional right to criticize the government and speak openly about issues such as unemployment, corruption, poverty, and inequality without fear of criminal prosecution. According to her letter, laws should protect citizens’ freedoms rather than be used to silence dissenting voices.

She concluded by calling on Somali lawyers, religious leaders, journalists, civil society organizations, and human rights groups to defend every citizen’s right to a fair trial and an independent judiciary.

The case has drawn significant public attention across Somalia and has sparked wider debate over freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the balance between protecting state institutions and safeguarding constitutional rights.

Human rights advocates have increasingly called for greater protections for peaceful political speech, arguing that transparent legal proceedings and independent courts remain essential to strengthening public confidence in Somalia’s justice system.