According to court sources, prosecutors accused Ali of "incitement" and disturbing public order through her social media activities and participation in anti-government protests. However, the court reportedly concluded that the prosecution failed to identify a specific criminal offense that could justify proceeding to trial.

As a result, the case file was returned to prosecutors for further review.

Setback for Government

The court's decision is being viewed by legal observers and opposition figures as a significant setback for Somali authorities, who have faced mounting criticism over Ali's arrest and detention.

Ali, a nursing graduate and rickshaw driver, was arrested after publicly criticizing the federal government over allegations of corruption, forced evictions, unemployment, and rising living costs.

Her detention sparked widespread attention both inside Somalia and internationally.

International Media Attention

The case received global attention after major international organizations and media outlets raised concerns regarding her treatment in detention.

Amnesty International called for respect for due process and human rights protections, while The Guardian published allegations that Ali was subjected to torture, physical abuse, and degrading treatment while in custody.

According to the reports, Ali alleged that she was beaten, humiliated, and mistreated after speaking publicly about her detention.

The allegations generated significant international concern and renewed scrutiny of Somalia's human rights record.

Growing Calls for Release

Human rights advocates argue that the court's decision further undermines the legal basis for Ali's continued detention and strengthens calls for her immediate release.

Civil society organizations, opposition politicians, and legal experts have questioned why she remained imprisoned if prosecutors were unable to present sufficient evidence to support criminal charges.

Pressure on Authorities

The collapse of the initial prosecution effort has increased pressure on Somali authorities to explain both the legal justification for Ali's detention and the allegations of abuse raised by international human rights organizations.

Observers say the case has become one of the most controversial human rights and freedom of expression disputes faced by Somalia's federal government in recent years.

As attention continues to grow domestically and internationally, the future of the case is expected to remain under close scrutiny from human rights groups, legal observers, and foreign governments monitoring developments in Somalia.

BY Dahir Alasow

Dahir Alasow is a Somali-Dutch investigative journalist and Founder of Waagacusub Media. He specializes in political affairs, security, terrorism, human rights, and corruption investigations across Somalia and the Horn of Africa. He is based in Breda, the Netherlands.