Update
On August 25, 2026, we received notice that Somali social media activist Sadia Moalim Ali was released after the Banadir Court of Appeal overturned her conviction and three-year prison sentence. Sadia had spent 123 days in detention after being arrested in connection with her social media activism and participation in peaceful protests.
This outcome came after sustained international advocacy efforts, including Amnesty International’s Urgent Action campaign and appeals from supporters around the world. The collective pressure generated international attention for Sadia’s case and highlighted concerns about freedom of expression and the rights of activists in Somalia. The Court of Appeal’s decision secured her immediate release and reunion with her family.
The outcome represents an important victory for freedom of expression and demonstrates the impact of global solidarity in challenging arbitrary detention. Following her release, Sadia thanked Amnesty International supporters, saying, “Your solidarity gave me strength and reminded me that I was not alone. My release is not only a victory for me and my family, but also a victory against injustice.”
“Knowing that our letter was part of a global effort that helped secure Sadia’s release is incredibly encouraging,” said Yunisha Bist, Equity Committee Executive. “This outcome reminds us that collective action can make a real difference in protecting individuals who are unjustly detained for peacefully exercising their human rights and speaking out against injustice.”
For more details on the update from Amnesty International, click here.
In a recent urgent action letter, the TRU Student’s Union wrote to His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of tuk tuk driver and social activist Sadia Moalim Ali, as well as her protection from torture or ill-treatment and immediate access to her family and legal counsel.
“Writing this letter reminds me that advocacy doesn’t stop at our campus,” said Yunisha Bist, TRUSU Equity Executive Member. “It’s about using our voices to stand with individuals who are being silenced simply for speaking out and making sure they’re not facing it alone.”
Sadia Moalim Ali was arrested on April 12, 2026, in Mogadishu’s Hodan District by officers from the National Intelligence and Security Agency. She was initially detained at Hamar Jajab Police Station before being transferred to Mogadishu Central Prison on April 14. Although her family has not been informed of any formal charges, authorities reportedly obtained a court order allowing her detention for up to 90 days pending investigation. Her detention appears to be solely linked to her peaceful activism on social media and participation in protests.
This situation reflects a broader issue of the criminalization of peaceful expression, a fundamental human right that allows people to voice concerns and hold authorities accountable. Freedom of expression is essential for civic participation, especially when individuals are speaking out on issues impacting their communities. As a student’s union that relies on these same rights to advocate for our members, we recognize how vital it is to protect them wherever they are threatened.
“It’s frustrating to see someone held for simply using their voice to demand better for their community,” said Bist, “People shouldn’t be punished for peaceful activism. That starts with governments respecting due process, freedom of expression, and international human rights standards.”
We urged the Somalian Government to take immediate action to secure Sadia Moalim Ali’s unconditional release and demonstrate national commitment to protecting freedom of expression and the rights of peaceful activists.
We await a response from His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on this urgent matter.
For more information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.