Mogadishu — Several rickshaw drivers recently freed from detention have spoken to local media about the conditions they faced in custody and messages they say were conveyed to them while behind bars.
Sacdiyo Moalim, a university graduate, turned to driving a Tuk-Tuk driver, told Shabelle TV that men claiming to represent officials from Hodan District visited her during her detention.
According to her account, the visitors said the district commissioner, Abshiroow, was prepared to stand surety for her release but advised her to refrain from speaking publicly about certain issues.
Sacdiyo said she rejected the suggestion, insisting she had a constitutional right to express her views. “If I feel compelled to speak, the constitution allows me to do so,” she said, adding that she could not remain silent on matters she considered important.
Her comments come amid growing debate over freedom of expression and the treatment of informal transport workers in the Somali capital.
Authorities in Mogadishu have not immediately commented on the allegations.
Watch the interview:
