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Verdict handed down in brutal killing of Saabirin Saylaan
A 34-year-old woman in Somalia has been convicted of murdering a 14-year-old girl under her supervision, sparking nationwide outrage and demands for stronger child protection laws. Hodan Mohamud Diiriye now faces execution, while her husband received a one-year prison term for negligence.
Horror uncovered in police investigation
Saabirin Saylaan, an orphan raised by her great-aunt, was sent to live with Diiriye's family in September as a domestic helper. Over two months, the teenager endured systematic abuse, including beatings and torture, according to police findings. Evidence from Diiriye's phone-later leaked to the public-revealed disturbing recordings, including one where she allegedly stated, "I'm enjoying your pain."
A post-mortem examination confirmed multiple injuries and deep stab wounds, consistent with prolonged violence. The girl's death in November ignited protests in Galkayo, a major city in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region, where demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in one fatality.
"No child should die like this."
Aniiso Abdullahi, 18-year-old protester
Public fury and calls for justice
Hundreds marched in Galkayo, holding signs reading "Justice for Saabirin" and demanding accountability. Online campaigns amplified the outrage, with activists rejecting traditional clan-based dispute resolution, which often prioritizes reconciliation over criminal prosecution.
Regional police commander Mohamud Abdihakim emphasized the verdict's significance, stating, "The perpetrator awaits execution. If further evidence emerges, others involved will face the full force of the law."
Systemic failures in child protection
Child rights advocates argue the case exposes Somalia's weak safeguards. Najeb Wehelie, director of the Dhoodaan organization, noted, "Children face violence in family homes, and only extreme cases reach police." Recent months saw three other horrific incidents, including the murder of four children in an arson attack and the rape of an 11-year-old girl.
While Somalia ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in October, the government later clarified that its implementation would align with Islamic law and the constitution, excluding provisions conflicting with Sharia-such as the ban on child marriage.
Barriers to reform
Activist Fadumo Ahmed highlighted persistent obstacles: under-resourced police, interference by clan elders, and a lack of awareness among children about their rights. "Cases are often settled privately, with families informing authorities the matter is resolved," she said.
Puntland's ministry of women's development coordinator, Shukri Ahmed Hussein, defended government efforts, citing programs for former child soldiers and street children. However, she acknowledged the difficulty of intervening in family disputes and called for greater public awareness.
Uncertain path forward
Diiriye's lawyer has filed an appeal, prolonging the legal battle. Meanwhile, protesters like Abdikadir Ali demand tangible action: "We don't want justice in words. We want to see it."
Saabirin's death has forced a reckoning with Somalia's child protection crisis, but activists warn that without systemic change, such tragedies will persist.
