MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Office of the Attorney General said it has launched an investigation into the arrest of Sadia Moallim Ali Hassan, a Bajaj driver in Mogadishu, following mounting criticism from opposition groups and international rights organizations, including Amnesty International.
Sadia, who was arrested on April 12, faces charges of defamation and incitement to public disorder, according to a statement issued by the prosecutor’s office.
The Attorney General’s Office said the inquiry forms part of its mandate to uphold the law, combat crime, and maintain public order. It added that the case is progressing through various investigative stages and will be submitted to the competent courts once completed.
“The Office of the Attorney General remains committed to delivering justice, preventing crime, and protecting the interests of society,” the statement said, noting that such measures are necessary to safeguard security and stability.
The arrest has sparked criticism from opposition figures, who condemned what they described as the use of force to suppress peaceful expression by young Bajaj drivers in Mogadishu. They called on authorities to respect freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International issued an urgent appeal calling for Sadia’s unconditional release.
According to the organization, she has not been granted access to legal representation, and her family was not informed of any formal charges. Rights groups say her arrest is linked to online activism and participation in peaceful protests criticizing the federal government over issues including alleged corruption, unemployment, nepotism, high taxation, and rising fuel prices.
In one of her videos circulated online, Sadia reportedly warned that any harm against her would be the responsibility of the country’s leadership.
Amnesty International described her detention as arbitrary and said she was being targeted solely for exercising her right to freedom of expression. The group urged Somali authorities to either release her immediately or ensure her detention complies with international human rights standards, including access to lawyers, family visits, and adequate healthcare.
