Somali Woman Executed for Murder of Teenage Domestic Worker

A court in Somalia’s Puntland region has carried out the execution of a woman convicted of murdering her teenage domestic worker. Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, 34, was killed by firing squad in Galkayo after being found guilty of the fatal beating of Saabirin Saylaan.

The sentence was applied under “qisas,” an Islamic legal principle that permits a victim’s family to demand a death sentence instead of accepting financial compensation. Regional authorities confirmed that members of both families were present at the execution.

This marks the first time in over a decade that a woman has been executed under a retaliatory sentence in Puntland.

The case had sparked significant public outrage. Saabirin Saylaan, an orphan who was placed in Diiriye’s home as a domestic helper last year, endured months of abuse. Investigations revealed videos and audio recordings from Diiriye’s phone that documented repeated beatings and torture. In one recording, Diiriye was heard stating, “I’m enjoying your pain.”

A post-mortem examination showed the teenager suffered multiple injuries and deep stab wounds.

Following the murder in November, protests erupted in Galkayo, with hundreds demanding justice for Saabirin and calling for greater legal protections for children and domestic workers. Community leaders and activists have since urged stronger safeguards for vulnerable groups.

The last known execution of a woman in the region occurred in 2013, involving a member of the al-Shabab militant group.