The First Grade Court of Mudug Region in Gaalkacyo has issued an order mandating the immediate court appearance of two defendants: Hodan Maxamud Diiriye (34) and Cabdicaasiis Nuur Xaashi Calas (65). Both individuals are accused in a case filed by complainant Marxuumad Saabiriin Saylaan Cabdille Wees & DPL and her family.

According to the official court document, the hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM, and both defendants are to be transported directly from custody to the courtroom. The order further instructs the Central Prison Commander and the Central Police Station Commander in Mudug to immediately hand over the detainees to the court.

While the official document follows legal procedure on the surface, the urgency of the order has raised serious concerns among human-rights observers and legal experts.

Lack of Mental Health Evaluation Sparks Outcry

Families and legal advocates argue that neither defendant has been granted a psychological evaluation, despite visible signs that both may be suffering from mental-health instability. They claim this omission violates basic legal rights and internationally recognized fair-trial standards.

"The court is pushing for prosecution without confirming their mental capacity. If they are mentally unwell, they cannot defend themselves. This clearly opens the door to a miscarriage of justice,” said a legal observer in Gaalkacyo who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Human-rights groups have repeatedly warned that Puntland’s judicial system lacks adequate mechanisms to assess mental health before prosecution — a requirement in most modern legal systems to determine criminal responsibility.

Pressure of Speed vs. Fairness

The speed of the legal process in this case has also raised eyebrows. The court issued the summons and set the hearing for the very next day, leaving no reasonable time for defense lawyers to prepare or to request medical evaluation.

Legal analysts say that regardless of the seriousness of the allegations, every accused person deserves the right to medical assessment if there are clear signs of psychological instability.

Growing Calls for Fair Trial Safeguards

Activists are calling for:

Immediate psychiatric assessment of both defendants

Postponement of the hearing until mental stability is confirmed

A transparent legal process that respects the Constitutional rights of the accused

If the trial proceeds without professional examination of their mental health, it may set a dangerous precedent for future cases involving vulnerable individuals.

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Written by: Dahir Alasow — Investigative Journalist

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