Sadia Moalim Ali, a Somali activist and rickshaw driver, has spoken out about her imprisonment and torture after being sentenced to three years in jail for insulting government institutions. Her conviction was overturned on appeal on 12 August, leading to her release the same day.
Arrest and imprisonment
Ali was abducted by two police officers and taken to a police station, where she was slapped and her head was hit against a wall. She had no access to a lawyer and no formal charges were made. She was then taken to Mogadishu Central prison, where the female wing held about 120 women, with around 30 in her cell.
The prison, built in colonial times and never renovated, had no windows or lights and a terrible smell. The only toilet had no door. Ali was imprisoned with members of the jihadist militant group al-Shabaab, who talked about killings and explosions, leaving her afraid to sleep.
Conditions and abuse
Prisoners received tea and one slice of stale bread for breakfast, and half a plate of rice about three hours later. To go outside for sunshine, they had to bribe the guards. Many women were depressed and had health issues; Ali developed skin problems, lost weight, and her period stopped.
Ali heard stories of other women, including one who gave birth to her 18-month-old daughter inside her cell with the help of other women. She was incarcerated alongside two girls aged 13 and 17. Many women were imprisoned for debt or non-payment of fines, without understanding their crimes. Ali began teaching some of them to read and write.
Speaking out and retaliation
After giving an interview to a local radio station, Ali was taken to a torture room where the prison commander stripped her, beat her, and made her crawl while water was thrown on her. After speaking to the Guardian, she was threatened with rape. Three men sexually assaulted her, and the act was recorded on a mobile phone.
At court, the prosecution produced the Guardian article as evidence of spreading anti-government propaganda. On 25 June, she was convicted of insulting government institutions and sentenced to three years in prison. Her lawyer filed an appeal, and the Banadir region court of appeal overturned the conviction on 12 August.
After release
Ali reunited with her daughter, who did not recognise her. She continued to receive threats and pressure to stop talking. Members of al-Shabaab wanted her to join them, and fearing for her safety, she left the country.
Now recovering, Ali wants mental health support due to flashbacks. She is writing a book about her experiences and using her social media channels to advocate for the women she met in prison, hoping to help them gain their freedom.
