Puntland State Court Issues Death Sentence to Woman for Killing 14-Year-Old Sabiriin Saylaan

GALKAYO, Somalia — A Puntland State court on Monday sentenced Hodan Mohamud Diiriye to death for the murder of 14-year-old Sabiriin Saylaan, a case that gripped Somalia’s central city of Galkayo after an hours-long hearing was streamed live on social media and drew widespread public attention.

The First Instance Court of Mudug Region found Diiriye directly responsible for the girl’s death, concluding proceedings that had been closely followed both online and in the streets amid mounting public anger. The court also sentenced Diiriye’s 65-year-old husband to one year in prison and levied a $500 fine for his role in the case.

Prosecutors told the court that Sabiriin, who had been living in the couple’s home, was killed by Diiriye. While Diiriye denied killing the teenager, she admitted in court to repeatedly torturing her. The court ruled that the prosecution’s evidence met the threshold to establish Diiriye’s direct culpability for the fatality.

Both defendants were granted one month to appeal. A defense lawyer said he disagreed with the judgment and confirmed an appeal had already been submitted on behalf of Diiriye.

Sabiriin’s body, which had been held pending the conclusion of the court proceedings, is expected to be released to her family Monday afternoon for burial, officials said.

The killing sparked public outrage and demonstrations in Galkayo last week that turned violent, leaving one person dead and causing significant property damage. The case has highlighted community concerns about the treatment of children and accountability for abuse, and the unusually public courtroom process intensified scrutiny of the outcome.

Diiriye’s sentencing follows a hearing that lasted several hours and was broadcast live across social platforms, allowing residents and Somalis beyond Mudug Region to watch the proceedings in real time. The court did not immediately release a written judgment detailing the evidence, but emphasized the gravity of the offense in announcing the death sentence.

Authorities did not disclose further details regarding the husband’s specific involvement beyond the one-year custodial term and financial penalty. Under the court’s order, both defendants have 30 days to mount their appeals, and the defense said it has begun that process. It was not immediately clear when an appellate court would hear the case.

Community leaders in Galkayo had urged a swift and transparent process after images and reports of the teenager’s injuries circulated online, fueling anger that culminated in protests. The court’s decision to live-stream the hearing marked a rare window into criminal proceedings and helped channel public attention to the legal process, even as demonstrators demanded justice outside.

Key developments:

• Hodan Mohamud Diiriye sentenced to death by the First Instance Court of Mudug Region in Puntland State.
• Her 65-year-old husband receives a one-year prison term and a $500 fine for involvement.
• Diiriye denied killing but admitted torturing the 14-year-old victim, Sabiriin Saylaan; prosecutors convinced the court she was directly responsible for the death.
• Both defendants have one month to appeal; defense says an appeal has already been filed for Diiriye.
• Sabiriin’s body to be released to her family Monday afternoon for burial after being held pending the court’s decision.
• Protests in Galkayo last week over the case left one person dead and caused property damage.

The ruling caps a week of tension in Galkayo and offers a measure of resolution to a case that shocked residents. The appeals process now becomes the next step, even as the city prepares to lay the teenager to rest.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.