Mogadishu (WDN) – The sentencing of Sadiyo Macalin Ali Hassan, popularly known as Sadiyo Bajaj, has ignited a fierce national outcry in Somalia over freedom of expression, political dissent, and the limits of state authority. A court in Mogadishu has sentenced the social media activist to three years in prison.

Sadiyo’s conviction is a troubling assault on free speech and a dangerous precedent aimed at silencing opposition voices and discouraging public criticism of government officials.

Among those condemning the sentence is former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, who strongly denounced the three-year prison term handed down to the social media activist. Khaire described the case as a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by President Hassan Sheikh to suppress dissent and intimidate government critics.

In a sharply worded statement, Kheyre accused the government of using the justice system as a political weapon, arguing that the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Sadiyo Bajaj reflect a broader pattern of political retaliation, abuse of power, and suppression of dissent.

“Sadiyo Bajaj is not a criminal,” Kheyre said. “She is a Somali mother striving to support her family who is now being punished for expressing her views.” He stressed that freedom of expression and the right to voice opinions are fundamental rights guaranteed under Somalia’s Provisional Constitution.

Kheyre also criticized the handling of the case by the Banadir Regional Court, accusing the judiciary of becoming entangled in political disputes. He warned that the verdict risks further eroding public confidence in Somalia’s judicial institutions and raises serious concerns about the independence of the courts.

The former prime minister’s remarks come hours after Sadiyo Bajaj was sentenced to three years in prison after the court found her guilty of charges related to public incitement and defamation of state institutions and senior government officials. The Somali government and judicial authorities have yet to formally respond to Kheyre’s accusations.

As controversy surrounding the Sadiyo verdict continues to grow, the case is increasingly being viewed as a test of Somalia’s commitment to freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the rule of law at a time of heightened political tensions ahead of crucial national elections.

WardheerNews