By Asha Elmi - Editor-in-Chief
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Somalia, 12 August 2026 — Somalia's Banadir appeals court has overturned a three-year prison sentence against tuk-tuk driver and activist Sadia Moalim and ordered her release, her lawyer said Wednesday.
Moalim was sentenced in May by the Banadir regional court under Article 269(2) after she was accused of insulting or defaming government institutions, including the Somali police and prison service, her lawyer said.
The appeals court found there was no evidence that Moalim had defamed or insulted the police, the lawyer said. The ruling overturned the earlier verdict and restored her freedom, allowing her to return to her family.
Moalim had spent nearly four months in detention before the court ordered her release.
The lawyer said Moalim and her legal team appealed the original sentence and presented evidence before the appeals court. The court heard arguments from both sides before issuing its decision, he said.
Moalim maintained that she had not committed a criminal offense, and the defence presented evidence to support her position, the lawyer said.
The prosecution has the right to appeal the decision to Somalia's Supreme Court, the lawyer said, adding that the defence would continue to represent Moalim if the case proceeds further.