MIL NGO Engine

Source: Amnesty International –

Reacting to reports of the deteriorating health of opposition leader Ali Karimli and media expert Alasgar Mammadli, both detained in Azerbaijan, and the threat of extradition from Ukraine to Azerbaijan of political activist Bahruz Hasanli, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

“According to family members and lawyers, Ali Karimli and Alasgar Mammadli have suffered a severe deterioration in their health due to inadequate prison conditions and a lack of essential health care. Ali Karimli has been denied access to clean drinking water and ventilation, which may amount to torture or other ill-treatment. Alasgar Mammadli’s lawyers have repeatedly requested that he be transferred to house arrest given his health problems which have seriously worsened in detention.”

“Ali Karimli and Alasgar Mammadli are among hundreds of individuals who have fallen victim to Azerbaijan’s intensifying campaign of political repression, targeting journalists, activists, outspoken government critics and opposition politicians. Another victim of these reprisals is Bahruz Hasanli, a political activist who used to serve as Ali Karimli’s security guard. He is currently at risk of extradition from Ukraine to Azerbaijan where he could face torture and other ill-treatment.

“The Azerbaijani authorities must ensure that Ali Karimli, Alasgar Mammadli and all other prisoners have immediate access to adequate drinking water, ventilation and all necessary medical care. Ukraine must fulfil its human rights obligations and not extradite Bahruz Hasanli to Azerbaijan.”

Background

According to Ali Karimli’s family, he fainted from severe dehydration on 6 August 2026 during a court hearing to consider his appeal for transfer to house arrest. Drinking water to his cell had reportedly been cut off since 5 August as well as electricity, with no power to operate the fans. Ali Karimli, chair of the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), was detained on 29 November 2025 over alleged “violent seizure of power” and “violent change of the constitutional order.”

Alasgar Mammadli, media lawyer and co-founder of Toplum TV, was on 27 July sentenced on trumped up charges to 14 years’ imprisonment along with other media workers and civil society activists associated with Toplum TV, some of whom received up to 15-year sentences.

Bahruz Hasanli, who has lived in Ukraine with his family for five years, was detained at his workplace in Kyiv on 27 July following a request from Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office. The request was made in the context of the Ali Karimli case, with charges brought under articles of the Criminal Code related to fraud. Bahruz Hasanli denies these charges, claiming them to be unfounded, fabricated and related solely to his political activity. The Shevchenkivsky District Court of Kharkiv released him on 30 July, but after an appeal he was placed in detention on 6 August pending extradition proceedings.

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

SYDNEY, Tuesday 11 August 2026 — New data obtained by Greenpeace Australia Pacific has found millions of kilograms of marine life are being taken from Australian marine parks by commercial fishers annually, as the government begins its review of the country’s Marine Parks Network.

The data, released to Greenpeace in response to a Freedom of Information request, relates to 18 of Australia’s 60 Commonwealth marine parks, and shows almost 2.2 million kg of marine life is being fished each year, raising concerns about the true catch numbers across all marine protected areas.

Greenpeace is calling for the Labor government to use the once-in-a-decade Marine Parks Network review, announced last fortnight, to ban industrial activities, including bottom trawling, longlining and oil and gas mining, from Australia’s Marine Parks Network, and increase fully-protected ocean sanctuaries within the network. 

Elle Lawless, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: 

“It’s chilling to think of the true scale of destruction happening inside all of Australia’s marine parks, and how much of our precious ocean wildlife, like dolphins, turtles or seabirds, could be pulled out of protected areas as bycatch.

“We’re talking about 6,600 kilograms of wildlife in one day, and that does not include what’s caught in the other 42 marine parks, many of which allow destructive fishing like longlining.

“Australia has made significant progress in securing 52% of its oceans in marine parks; however, this intent is undermined by zones that allow damaging industrial fishing activities, such as bottom trawling and longlining. The review of Australia’s Marine Parks Network is a critical opportunity to fix what isn’t working and finally give our oceans the real protection they deserve.

You wouldn’t expect someone to bulldoze a national park on land, so why should they be allowed to trawl in a marine park?”

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific welcomes the Albanese Government’s review of the Commonwealth Marine Parks Network as a rare opportunity to strengthen our marine parks and ban industrial fishing in Australia’s marine protected areas.”

The documents reveal that the south-west network has the largest catch volume, at 887,160kg per year, followed by the Coral Sea network, which extends out from the Great Barrier Reef, losing significant wildlife at 808,840kg annually.

—ENDS—

Notes:

• More than half of Australia’s Marine Parks Network allow extractive industries, including industrial fishing and oil and gas mining.

• The data, supplied by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, does not specify how much of the catch is fish or bycatch, like non-target fish, turtles or seabirds, and is available on request.

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

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Source: Amnesty International –

Candidates running in Zambia’s general elections on 13 August must commit to reversing a growing pattern of authoritarian practices that threaten human rights before, during and after the polls, Amnesty International said today.

In a new briefing, Authoritarian Practices Eating Away at Human Rights in Zambia: Escalating crackdown on human rights ahead of the 2026 general elections, Amnesty International documents how the authorities have intensified their crackdown on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly, association, expression and media freedom through broadly vague and hurriedly passed laws, curtailing participation ahead the August 2026 general elections.

“In 2021, Zambians voted in the hope for change following promises to respect human rights. Instead, authorities have resorted to the familiar playbook of using the law to criminalize peaceful dissent and silence independent media,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

In 2021, Zambians voted in the hope for change following promises to respect human rights. Instead, authorities have resorted to the familiar playbook of using the law to criminalize peaceful dissent and silence independent media.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

The briefing notes that despite some reforms including the repeal of the offence of criminal defamation of the president; the abolition of the death penalty; and the enactment of the Access to Information Act, there is a growing pattern of misuse of laws and the criminal justice system to suppress peaceful dissent and entrench political power.

“These laws have not only been used as the key tools for restricting dissent but also unleashing the punitive power of the state. The result is weaker accountability for human rights violations, erosion of the rule of law, and increasing barriers to access information,” said Tigere Chagutah.

In May 2026 Amnesty International interviewed 14 human rights defenders and representatives of civil society organizations including faith-based organizations, seven journalists, four student leaders and two opposition politicians. They described a pattern of intimidation, harassment and other human rights violations linked to their legitimate work. 

The briefing also highlights how the Zambian government has a history of introducing laws with some affecting civic space through fast-tracked processes, a pattern that continues with lawmakers debating, amending and voting on large numbers of bills within days. This significantly affects public participation in the law-making process.

Amnesty International calls on the Zambian authorities to end the growing pattern of repression of dissent and independent media and to ensure that all laws affecting civic space are developed through transparent, inclusive and meaningful public consultations.

A pattern of regression to authoritarian practices 

The briefing documents an alarming escalation in human rights violations and concludes that authorities have created an environment conducive to abuses ahead of the general elections.

As part of an ongoing effort to tighten control over civil society, Amnesty International highlights the proposed Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Bill currently before Parliament which would have a negative impact on the right to freedom of association in Zambia. The bill would grant the government excessive powers over the registration, regulation, suspension and dissolution of civil society organizations, seriously undermining their independence.

These laws have not only been used as the key tools for restricting dissent but also unleashing the punitive power of the state. The result is weaker accountability for human rights violations, erosion of the rule of law, and increasing barriers to access information,

Tigere Chagutah

“The intention appears to be the selective use of these powers to curtail the work of civil society organizations, by weakening their vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and human rights,” said Tigere Chagutah.

The briefing also notes that the cancellation of RightsCon, (the largest global tech and human rights conference) in May 2026, showed that restrictions on civic space in Zambia.

Amnesty International urges authorities to repeal the NGO Act and revise the proposed Non-Governmental Organizations bill to ensure full compliance with international human rights standards.

The briefing further highlights the continued operation of the colonial era Public Order Act, despite repeated recommendations by domestic and international bodies that it be repealed. The Act continues to impose severe restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly. On 12 May 2026, Parliament passed the Public Gatherings Bill to replace the Public Order Act of 1955. However, the bill has not been made law as President Hakainde Hichilema declined to assent to it, citing inconsistencies between the Bill and “established judicial precedents.”

Amnesty International reiterates its call for the repeal of the Public Order Act and for a comprehensive review of the Public Gatherings Bill, to ensure that any regulation of public assemblies facilitates, rather than restricts the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly, in accordance with international human rights standards.

The briefing also documents that several provisions of the Cyber Security Act and the Cyber Crimes Act 2025 and (Cyber Laws) have contributed significantly to the deterioration of the right to freedom of expression in Zambia. The two laws were enacted to repeal and replace the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act, No. 2 of 2021, they continue to provide broad powers that interfere with private communication, permit arbitrary interference with personal data and property, and restrict the rights to freedom of expression, association and conscience.

The briefing documents how authorities are increasingly using these laws to arrest government critics, journalists, activists and opposition politicians, creating a widespread climate of fear and self-censorship.

“The Cyber Crimes Act, particularly its provisions relating to defamation and harassment, raises serious concerns for human rights including the right to freedom of expression. It has become a tool to silence independent media and government critics, and to suppress public debate at a time when scrutiny of government actions and media freedom are essential ahead of the elections,” said Tigere Chagutah.

Journalists interviewed by Amnesty International also reported persistent harassment, intimidation, unlawful surveillance and criminal investigations for doing their work, especially when reporting on allegations of corruption, human rights abuses or politically sensitive issues.

As Zambia goes to the polls, the authorities must immediately end the misuse of laws to suppress the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and media freedom. The next government should prioritize repealing or amending laws that are incompatible with Zambia’s Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.

Tigere Chagutah

The research found that politically motivated attacks against opposition members were not routinely investigated, contributing to a climate of fear and impunity.

The briefing also documents legislative processes that deliberately curtail public participation. Civil society organizations told Amnesty International that parliamentary consultations frequently amounted to little more than procedural formalities, despite formal invitations to participate.

“As Zambia goes to the polls, the authorities must immediately end the misuse of laws to suppress the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and media freedom. The next government should prioritize repealing or amending laws that are incompatible with Zambia’s Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations,” said Tigere Chagutah.

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

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Source: Amnesty International –

Reacting to the acting Venezuelan government’s decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), as confirmed on 6 August, Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Director, said: 

“The Venezuelan government’s regretful decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute is the last step in a long string of efforts to avoid scrutiny and accountability for some of the most serious crimes under international law. 

The Venezuelan government’s regretful decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute is the last step in a long string of efforts to avoid scrutiny and accountability for some of the most serious crimes under international law.”

Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Director.

It bears reminding authorities that withdrawing from the Rome Statute in no way affects the ongoing criminal investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) into crimes against humanity committed in the country prior to this decision, nor of any other events before 24 July 2027. It does, however, signal the acting government’s disregard for victims’ rights to truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-repetition. 

For many years, Amnesty International has documented grave human rights violations and crimes under international law being committed by Venezuelan authorities under a policy of repression that seeks to silence dissent. The organization’s conclusion that some of these crimes could amount to crimes against humanity has been echoed by the OTP and the UN international independent Fact-Finding Mission (FFM). The formal withdrawal of Venezuela from the Rome Statute makes the renewal of the FFM’s mandate during the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council in September-October more crucial than ever before. 

There are thousands of victims of the Venezuelan government’s policy of repression. They have not, and will not, give up on their rights. The avenues for truth and justice they have so courageously sought and opened outside of Venezuela remain active. The investigation by the OTP, the UN Fact-Finding Mission, and cases under the principle of universal jurisdiction continue, and Amnesty International will continue supporting their fight for justice.” 

There are thousands of victims of the Venezuelan government’s policy of repression. They have not, and will not, give up on their rights. The avenues for truth and justice they have so courageously sought and opened outside of Venezuela remain active.” 

Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Director.

Background 

On 24 July 2026, the acting government of Venezuela formally deposited its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute of the ICC, with the withdrawal taking effect one year from the date of notification (24 July 2027). This decision had been announced by the Venezuelan government in 2025 and reiterated in July 2026, but the official registration before the UN treaty body was only made public in the UN web repository on 6 August. 

In 2018, the OTP-ICC opened a preliminary examination into the situation in Venezuela. On 3 November 2021, it announced the opening of an investigation into possible crimes against humanity in the country, focusing on: “Crimes against humanity of deprivation of liberty or other serious deprivation of physical liberty (…) torture (…); rape and/or other forms of sexual violence of comparable severity (…); and politically motivated persecution against persons detained (…), which were committed since at least April 2017, by members of the State security forces, civil authorities and pro-government persons (or groups called “collectives”).” 

In 2019, Amnesty International concluded that crimes under international law being committed in a widespread and systematic manner by the authorities under the command of Nicolás Maduro against the civilian population could amount to crimes against humanity. These crimes include extrajudicial executions, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and persecution on political grounds. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact [email protected] 

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to a New Mexico judge’s ruling that Meta’s platform design harmed children, Amnesty International USA’s Deputy Director of Research, Justin Mazzola, said: 

“This verdict is an important step towards creating safer social media for children and young people. For years, Amnesty International has warned that major social media platforms have been designed to maximize engagement and profit, while failing to adequately protect children’s rights.  

“Crucially, the court went beyond imposing a financial penalty. By ordering changes to platform features, including removing “like” counts for people under 18 and restricting overnight notifications, the ruling recognizes that the harms children experience online are often the result of deliberate design choices.  

“Amnesty has been calling for exactly this kind of action. Child safety must be built into platforms from the start, not added as an afterthought once harms are identified. This decision sends a clear message that social media companies cannot continue to prioritize engagement at the expense of children’s wellbeing and rights.” 

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

In a significant policy shift, heatwave has been formally added to India’s list of nationally notified disasters, granting state governments full access to disaster response and mitigation funds for heat-related relief and prevention, a long-standing demand of impacted groups, people, communities, civil society groups, public health advocates and several state governments.

In response to a Lok Sabha question raised by Shri Anoop Pradhan Valmiki on whether the Government would declare heatwaves a ‘natural disaster’ under the National Disaster Management Act.

Until now, heatwaves fell outside the Disaster Management Act’s notified disaster list, which covered only 12 categories: cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, and frost/cold wave. As a result, states could draw on only up to 10% of their annual State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocation for heatwave relief, under the restrictive “local disaster” provision,  an arrangement widely looked as inadequate given the rising frequency, intensity, impacts and death toll of heatwaves across India.

“Unlocking disaster funds is a critical victory, but money on paper needs to reach the person collapsing on the pavement. We cannot measure heat disasters by thermometer readings alone. We must measure them by human toll: missed wages, heat-stroke emergency visits, and daily income lost for outdoor workers who simply cannot work in 45-degree heat. The financial burden of this crisis cannot fall solely on public coffers. It is time to expand the pool of adaptation funds by making the polluters pay; holding the major fossil fuel corporations driving global temperatures accountable for the heat crisis they created,” said Aakiz Farooq, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace India.

Greenpeace India calls for legally mandated funding for Heat Action Plans, stronger social protection for informal and outdoor workers through heat risk insurance and income loss compensation, and greater investment in community cooling infrastructure and locally led heat response. We also urge the Government of India to establish effective cross-government coordination for implementing heat resilience measures and to champion international climate finance at UNFCCC negotiations by holding Global North countries accountable for their unmet obligations. In line with the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), India should support progressive environmental taxation on the profits of major global oil and gas companies to help finance heat adaptation, resilience, and a just transition in the Global South.

Sources: Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2541, answered 4 August 2026; 16th Finance Commission recommendations (2026–31); Ministry of Home Affairs notified disaster list.

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

This is a 1-year fixed-term position based in Manila office

About the Role

The Country Representative provides overall strategic leadership, governance, and management for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Philippines (GPSEA-PH). Represents the GPSEA-PH in the GPSEA Programme Director’s Team (PDT).  Leads the execution of national program strategies while steering the Country Coordination Team (CCT) to ensure alignment across all departments in the country. Serves as the primary political advocate, risk/security focal oversight, and legal/external representative for GPSEA-PH in the country alignment with regional and global priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the formulation of national campaign and program strategies aligned with regional and global 3-year plans.
• Provide high-level political, legal, socio-economic, and environmental analysis to identify national intervention points and emerging risks.
• Establish frameworks that integrate campaign goals, engagement tactics, and fundraising opportunities into cohesive program delivery.
• Steers country-wide program alignment across departments, serving as the strategic integrator for national initiatives.
• Direct national campaign execution, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to achieve key milestones.
• Plan, monitor and oversee country programme and campaign budgets in collaboration with the Finance & Administration team and within the approved Delegation of Authority.
• Enforce security protocols and risk mitigation controls across campaign deployments and field operations.
• Foster a One GPSEA culture by promoting collaboration across Programme, Engagement, Fundraising and Operations.
• Participate proactively in and as member of GPSEA Programme Director Team (PDT) and contribute to delivery of the development and implementation of GPSEA regional-global program strategy priorities.
• Collaborate effectively with GPSEA regional teams and country offices to advance One GPSEA priorities.
• Convene and chair the Country Coordination Team (CCT) to facilitate cross-departmental alignment between Programme, Communications, Operations (Finance and Admin), People & Culture and Fundraising.
• Provide regular program impact and strategic updates to the Programme Director and the Executive Director.
• Line manages the country programme team, reviewing performance and providing mentoring / coaching.
• Propose and co-review with the Programme Director the eligibility of GPSEA-PH staff to be in the pool of Global Project Staffing (GPS) list.
• Serves as the internal focal point for legal, crisis, and safety management, liaising with leadership, legal counsel, and cross-departmental teams to coordinate ground-level crisis containment, align on statutory compliance, and drive team adherence to security protocols.
• Liaise with the Executive Director and national Board on governance, reporting, and statutory compliance.
• Serve as chief spokesperson and official external/legal representative for GPSEA-PH with government bodies, political decision-makers, civil society organisations, community leaders, donors, and media.
• Build strategic alliances, coalitions, and partnerships to advance environmental and climate justice goals.
• Cultivate and sustain strategic high-level alliances, coalitions, and constructive relationships with NGOs, community groups, academic institutions, and allies to enhance Greenpeace’s credibility and influence.
• Actively engage with regional and global Greenpeace peers to exchange insights, best practices, and lessons learned for cross-border impact
• Ensure timely delivery of country work plans, annual department budgets, campaign milestones, lead the annual country program reporting and contribute to regional-global projects and GPSEA Annual reporting.
• Respond promptly to emerging political opportunities, social trends, and external breaking events, adjusting project approaches to maximize public resonance and impact
• Ensure the effective collaboration and impactful strategic synergies between in-country programme and non-programme departments.
• Ensure high strategic rigor, policy accuracy, brand integrity, and compliance with organizational safety standards across all campaign outputs.

Skills and Experience Requirements:

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Greenpeace values diversity as essential to its mission and success. The organisation fosters an inclusive environment that respects varied cultural experiences and perspectives, promoting solutions rooted in social and environmental justice.

Deadline for applications: 21 August 2026

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Source: Amnesty International –

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On 12 April, Sadia Moalim Ali, a tuktuk (rickshaw) driver and social activist, was arrested in Mogadishu, by officers of the National Intelligence Agency. Sadia was arrested for her activism – both on social media and in peaceful protests. On 25 June 2026 she, was sentenced to three years imprisonment. Sadia is being targeted and persecuted by the Somali authorities solely for speaking out and for participating in peaceful protest, in a community where women do not traditionally speak up. Amnesty International spoke to her from her prison cell where she is serving her sentence. Amnesty International has been campaigning for Sadia Moalim Ali to be immediately and unconditionally released through its Urgent Action and Joint Letter.   

1. How have you been coping since being sentenced to three years in prison? 

Not much has changed for me since my sentencing. I believe that my conviction and the violations against me are politically motivated. I feel that what has happened to me is an act of retaliation for speaking up about the challenges that Somali people face every day. To my knowledge, this is the first time in Somalia’s history that a Somali woman and mother has been arbitrarily arrested, detained, convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment for solely speaking up openly about issues affecting her community. 

2. What motivated you to speak publicly about issues affecting ordinary Somalis? 

I studied midwifery and worked hard to complete my degree despite significant financial challenges. Since I graduated, I have tried to look for employment several times in Mogadishu (the capital of Somalia). I have struggled to find opportunities. As a woman, I often felt excluded and discriminated against. I was told that because I came from a minority clan, my chances of finding a job were limited in a system shaped by Somalia’s 4.5 clan structure, a clan-based power sharing system that often influences access to political and public sector opportunities. I applied for jobs, including in government institutions, but I was never able to secure employment in the field I had trained for.  

Like many young Somalis trying to survive, I did whatever I could to earn a living. Eventually I started cooking food and selling it online. In the end, I decided to become a tuktuk (rickshaw) driver to make ends meet. It was not the future I had imagined when I was studying, but I refused to give up. My decision to speak on social media came from what I witnessed around me every day. I saw ordinary Somalis struggling with issues that were rarely discussed openly.  

I spoke because I believed I had the right to express my opinions peacefully on the streets and on social media. I wanted my voice to be heard, and I wanted other Somalis to know that their concerns mattered too. Today, I am in prison because of expressing my views. 

3. Describe your arrest, detention and eventual sentencing.  

I never imagined that I would experience such injustice from the courts. I truly believed in the independence of the judiciary and trusted that the court would protect my rights. That is why I was shocked when I was sentenced to three-years imprisonment.  

What hurt me most was knowing that my baby was just a year old and still breastfeeding when I was sentenced. As a mother, my greatest responsibility is to care for my child, and I believed that the Somali government, which is supposed to protect the rights and well-being of its citizens, would consider both my situation and the needs of my daughter.  

The experience has been heartbreaking, not only for me but also for my family and my young daughter, who is growing up without her mother by her side. 

4. What issues have you faced in detention before and after your sentencing.  

After my sentencing, individuals from different government institutions visited me and told me I had brought the sentence upon myself. They said I would be killed if released and pressured me to apologize to the President, admit wrongdoing and seek a pardon. On 29 June, people who said they had been sent by the government offered me freedom if I agreed to remain silent. Shortly afterwards, a senior government official offered me a job on the same condition. I refused to admit to an offence I had not committed or to seek a pardon. Since then, I have continued to face threats and harassment while in detention. 

5. Why have you chosen not to remain silent despite everything that has happened? 

This administration has shown me how far it is willing to go to silence me, including sentencing me to prison. But I cannot remain silent while so many Somalis face injustice. Since my detention, I have witnessed more cases of what I believe are unjust detentions, which has only strengthened my determination to speak out. When I am released, I want to continue advocating for their rights as well as my own. That is why I refuse to be silenced. 

6. How has this affected you physically and psychologically? What impact has it had on your child?  

Psychologically, I am doing well, but physically I am not. I have a kidney condition, asthma, eye pain, and hearing problems that began after a police officer slapped me on the ear during my arrest. My skin has changed, and I have developed wounds and pimples due to poor prison hygiene. I have lost significant weight, I worry about my worsening health, and have not had access to a doctor. 

More than anything, I miss my daughter. As a breastfeeding mother, I still feel deeply connected to her, and it is painful not being able to care for her. What hurts most is being separated from her by the very government that should protect women and children. Since my detention, I have not been allowed to see her even once, and I worry she is missing the love, care and comfort a mother should provide. Not even my family has been allowed to visit me. I remain hopeful that we will be reunited with my daughter and hold her and give her the love she deserves. 

When my mother learned of my sentencing, she became unwell and later developed diabetes. I was the family’s breadwinner. After my arrest, my mother is unable to work and support my daughter. I worry about how my family is coping and who will support them. 

7. What is your message to Somalis now? 

My message to Somalis everywhere is to stand up against injustice and never accept it as normal. Today it may be happening to me, but tomorrow it could happen to you or to someone you love. Injustice does not stop with one person, which is why we must all speak out. 

I want the international community to know that many Somalis face oppression and should be able to enjoy their rights without fear of punishment for expressing their views.  

8. What are you hoping from the appeal process and what does justice look like to you?  

I still have hope in the justice system, but I do not believe justice can be achieved if the same approach that shaped my original case is repeated. Justice means having my case heard by a judge who is free from influence and able to decide based solely on the facts. That, to me, is justice. I need justice! 

9. What action would you like people to take today in support of your case? 

I ask people not to stay silent about what has happened to me. If you can write, then write. If you can speak, then speak. If you can share my story, then share it. As the sun rises and as it sets, continue raising awareness about my arrest, detention, conviction and sentencing.