MOGADISHU, Somalia – June 21, 2026 — The Somali government is facing growing international pressure after activist Sadia Moalim Ali, widely known as Sadia Bajaj, remained in detention for nearly two months following yet another delay in her court proceedings.
Sadia was expected to appear before the Banadir Regional Court on Sunday, but the hearing failed to take place after court officials informed her lawyers that the presiding judge was unable to attend due to heavy rainfall in Mogadishu.
The postponement has triggered fresh criticism from human rights organizations, particularly Amnesty International, which has launched an international campaign demanding her immediate release and accusing Somali authorities of arbitrarily detaining her for peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression. (Amnesty International USA)
According to Amnesty International, Sadia was arrested on April 12 by officers of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Mogadishu and later transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison, where she remains detained. The organization says her family has not been informed of any formal charges and that her detention is linked to her activism on social media and participation in peaceful protests. (Amnesty International USA)
In its official Urgent Action campaign titled “Release Arbitrarily Detained Activist,” Amnesty International directly called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to immediately and unconditionally release Sadia, arguing that she is being held solely for peacefully exercising her human rights. Amnesty further urged Somali authorities to guarantee her access to lawyers, family members, healthcare, and protection from ill-treatment while in detention. (Amnesty International USA)
The rights organization has gone beyond issuing a statement, mobilizing supporters around the world to write directly to the Somali presidency and diplomatic missions, describing Sadia’s detention as an urgent human rights concern requiring immediate action. (Amnesty International USA)
Critics say the latest court delay raises serious concerns about due process and reinforces accusations that Somali authorities are using prolonged detention to silence government critics. Human rights defenders argue that Sadia’s case reflects a broader pattern in which activists, journalists, and citizens who publicly criticize government policies face intimidation, arrest, or lengthy legal uncertainty. (cshrds.org)
Amnesty International has stated that Sadia’s detention is arbitrary and that she should never have been imprisoned for expressing her opinions online or participating in peaceful demonstrations. The organization has warned that continued detention without a transparent and timely legal process undermines Somalia’s commitments to human rights and democratic freedoms. (Amnesty International)
As Sadia remains behind bars, her family, lawyers, and supporters continue to demand her release. Sunday’s postponed hearing has only intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of the case, with many now asking why a young activist remains in prison while international human rights organizations continue to call for her immediate freedom. (Amnesty International USA)
Author
Ridwan Yusuf Mohamud
Editor in chief / Founder of Somali Magazjne
Ridwan@somalimagazine.so
Black News 
