By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan Africa) — Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission has raised concern over the continued detention of Sacdiya Macallin Cali, who has been held at Mogadishu Central Prison for more than a month without formal charges or a court hearing.
In a statement, the commission said some of its members visited Mogadishu Central Prison on April 29, 2026, to assess detention conditions and review Sacdiya Macallin Cali’s case.
The commission said it received briefings from Custodial Corps officials and prison authorities, and separately interviewed Sacdiya and met privately with her lawyer.
According to the commission, Sacdiya alleged mistreatment inside the prison, including intimidation, punishment, food shortages, overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of ventilation and restrictions on family visits.
The commission said it could not independently verify the allegations, but called for a full and impartial investigation into the claims.
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A statement issued by the Office of the Attorney General on May 6 said Sacdiya was being held over allegations related to defamation and public incitement. However, the commission said no formal charges had yet been filed and no hearing date had been scheduled.
The rights body warned that the situation could undermine her right to due process and a fair trial.
“Detention does not strip a person of their basic rights. Every detainee still has the right to dignity, humane treatment, healthcare, family contact and full legal protection under national and international law,” the chairperson of the commission, Dr. Maryam Qaasim, said in the statement.
The commission called on authorities to ensure that the rights of Sacdiya Macallin Cali and other detainees are fully respected and that judicial procedures move forward in accordance with Somali law.