The Banadir Regional Court of Appeal today released Saadiya Ma’alin Ali, also known as Saadiya Bajaaj, after spending 122 days in prison, equivalent to more than four months.
The court overturned a three-year sentence previously handed down by the Banadir Regional Court to Saadiya, stating that the sentence was not in accordance with the law.
Saadiya was detained at the time on charges related to a case the court was handling regarding social incitement and abuse against government officials, for which she was sentenced to a three-year sentence.
Her arrest has sparked strong reactions from sections of Somali society, the opposition and human rights organizations, who have called for her case to be reviewed and her release.
Human rights organizations and groups have called on the Somali government and judicial institutions to release Saadiya, expressing concern about her detention and the three-year sentence.
Campaigners for her release have specifically cited her status as a mother, calling for consideration of her family situation and legal rights.
Today’s decision by the Court of Appeals ends 122 days of Saadiya’s detention, with the court overturning her previous three-year sentence.