Statement
Somaliland: Reported sentence reduction for Aadan Sahan is not enough; quash his conviction
SHRMG calls for Aadan Sahan's conviction to be quashed after reports that an appeals court cut his sentence from three years to one.
Correction. Updated 8 November 2026 to reflect reports of an appeals court sentence reduction and clarify that SHRMG has not obtained the written appeal judgment; the revised statement calls for the conviction to be quashed.
Hargeisa, 8 November 2026 — The Somaliland Human Rights Monitoring Group (SHRMG) today called for Aadan Sahan's conviction to be quashed and for his immediate release if he is imprisoned solely for peaceful expression, following reports that the Somaliland Court of Appeal reduced his prison sentence from three years to one year.
A shorter sentence does not remedy an unjust conviction. SHRMG has not yet obtained the appeal judgment or the charge sheet, and has not independently confirmed the court's reasoning. The authorities should promptly clarify the outcome and provide the reasoned decision to Aadan Sahan and his counsel.
Background
Aadan Sahan, also identified as Adan Khadar Ali, is a writer and commentator. He was arrested on 15 September 2026 after an interview with Galaydh TV on 14 September, in which he discussed women's participation in society, their freedom to work and live independently, and the interpretation of religious teachings in today's social context.
On 6 October, Hargeisa District Court sentenced him to three years' imprisonment on charges relating to offending religion. Lawyers and human rights advocates criticised the fairness of the trial. The defence objected to the conduct of the proceedings, including an alleged prejudgment of the case by the presiding judge, and his family questioned whether the court considered the defence's submissions and documentation of his reported repentance. The Somaliland Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments had previously requested his release.
Peaceful expression is protected
Article 32 of the Somaliland Constitution, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights all protect freedom of expression. As the UN Human Rights Committee has made clear, offence to religious sentiment alone does not justify imprisonment. Respect for religious belief and freedom to debate religious and social questions peacefully are not in conflict.
SHRMG calls on the Somaliland authorities to:
Quash Aadan Sahan's conviction and secure his immediate release if he remains imprisoned solely for expressing peaceful opinions.
Publish the full written judgment of the Court of Appeal, including its grounds for reducing the sentence and its consideration of the defence's arguments.
Guarantee a fair hearing before an independent and impartial judiciary, with meaningful access to legal representation and the opportunity to challenge the evidence.
Ensure that criminal and religion-related laws are not used to punish peaceful commentary, academic discussion, journalism or debate.
Review laws and practices that criminalise legitimate expression and bring them into line with the Constitution and international human rights standards.
Imprisoning people for peaceful expression discourages writers, journalists, academics and ordinary citizens from taking part in public debate. A reduction in imprisonment is not the same as justice.
Media enquiries: Somaliland Human Rights Monitoring Group (SHRMG), Hargeisa, Somaliland. Email: info@shrmg.org