Court in Somalia’s Galkayo Sentences Woman to Death for Killing of 14-Year-Old Girl

GALKAYO, Somalia — A court in the Puntland state of Somalia on Monday sentenced a woman to death for the killing of 14-year-old Sabiriin Saylaan, a case that has drawn widespread public outrage and sparked recent protests in the city of Galkayo.

The First Instance Court of Mudug found Hodan Mohamud Diiriye guilty of murdering the teenager, who had been living in her home. The verdict followed hours of live-streamed proceedings that drew intense public attention.

The court also sentenced Diiriye’s 65-year-old husband to one year in prison and a $500 fine for his involvement, though he was not found to have directly carried out the killing.

Diiriye denied killing the girl but admitted in court to repeatedly torturing her. Prosecutors presented evidence they said proved she was directly responsible for Sabiriin’s death, and the judges agreed.

Both defendants were granted one month to file an appeal. A defense lawyer said he disagreed with the verdict and confirmed that an appeal had already been submitted on Diiriye’s behalf.

Sabiriin’s body, which had not been buried while the trial was ongoing, is expected to be released to her family on Monday afternoon for burial.

The killing triggered anger across Galkayo, where demonstrations last week led to the death of one person and significant property damage.

GAROWE ONLINE