Amnesty Calls for Release of Somali Activist Sadiya Moalim Ali

Mogadishu (WDN) — Amnesty International has published an interview with Somali social activist and bajaj driver Sadiya Moalim Ali, who is serving a three-year prison sentence in Mogadishu after being convicted in a case the rights organization says is linked to her freedom of expression and participation in peaceful demonstrations. Sadia Moalim Ali: “Not even prison will silence me” – Amnesty International

Amnesty says Sadiya was arrested on April 12, 2026, following comments she made on social media and her participation in peaceful protests. The organization has called for her immediate and unconditional release, arguing that her detention and conviction are connected to her exercise of fundamental rights.

Speaking in an interview conducted inside prison, Sadiya said she does not believe her conviction was based on genuine justice. Instead, she described her imprisonment as retaliation for speaking publicly about the hardships facing ordinary Somalis.

“I believe my arrest and conviction are political and intended to punish me for speaking openly about social issues,” she said. Sadiya said little had changed in her circumstances since her conviction and expressed frustration that peaceful criticism had resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.