A court in Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, has sentenced Ibrahim Abdikhaadir, a former deputy minister, to five years in prison over a comment he posted on Facebook. The court found him guilty of “spreading information or opinions that could endanger regional security,” based on his social media activity.
Sources close to Ibrahim argue that the case is politically motivated and a violation of his right to free expression, as the post in question allegedly expressed critical views about the regional leadership.
In addition, several other individuals remain in custody awaiting trial, also accused of writing comments or posts on Facebook deemed critical of the administration. These pre-trial detainees are reportedly being held under similar charges related to social media expression.
The case has sparked concern among human rights observers, who say it raises serious questions about freedom of speech, digital expression, and political dissent in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.
RNN Somali TV will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on this and other related cases.