Mogadishu— The Banaadir Regional Court today concluded the case against Sacdiyo Macalin Cali Xasan, widely known as Sadia Bajaaj, sentencing her to three years in prison.

Announcing the verdict, the Chairman of the Banaadir Regional Court, Saalax Dabbaan, said Sadia had been found guilty of offences related to public incitement and defamation against institutions and senior leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia.

During the proceedings, prosecutors presented video clips that were played inside the courtroom and used as evidence against her. Although Sadia and her lawyers mounted a defence, the court ruled that she was guilty of the charges.

Her lawyer, Mohamed Sheikh Osman, rejected the ruling, describing it as a harsh sentence that could have been avoided. He confirmed that the defence team will file an appeal before a higher court.

Sadia Bajaaj, a well-known social media figure, had been in detention for 74 days before the verdict was delivered.

Meanwhile, Geeska Freedom Centre (GFC), an independent human rights organization, strongly condemned the conviction and sentencing of the 27-year-old mother, saying the court hearing was marred by serious procedural irregularities, lack of credible evidence, and disregard for fundamental fair trial guarantees.

“The conviction and sentencing of Sadia Moalin Ali represent a serious miscarriage of justice and a troubling example of the misuse of the criminal justice system in Somalia’s courts to silence peaceful dissent, journalists and activists,” said GFC Director Abdalle Mumin.

“Sadia is a young mother with a daughter, and she has done nothing wrong but exercise her freedom of expression and right to protest. Jailing her through draconian charges and unfair court proceedings will only undermine public confidence in the judiciary and erode respect for the rule of law in Somalia,” he added.