Gaalkacyo, Puntland – A court in Puntland State sentenced Hodan Mohamoud Diriye to death by firing squad after convicting her of killing 14-year-old Saabiriin Saylaan Abdulle, an incident that sparked several days of protests and broad public outrage.
The First-Degree Court of Mudug Region issued the verdict following examination of video evidence, which prosecutors stated demonstrated ongoing abuse that caused the girl’s death. Court chairman Mohamed Abdulsalam explained that the decision represented retributive justice according to Somali law.
Hodan’s lawyer contended that she was dealing with mental illness, but the court dismissed the argument, noting that the submitted evidence failed to back the defense.
In another ruling, the court imposed a one-year prison term and a US$500 fine on Hodan’s husband, Abdicaziiz Hashi Nur, due to his role in the matter.
Saabiriin’s body stayed in a morgue for 10 days while the case attracted significant national focus, prompting protests in Gaalkacyo and heightened security measures in the city alongside demands for justice and better child safeguards.
