Somali Ambassador Visits Detained Nationals in India, Attends First Court Hearing

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MUMBAI: Somalia’s Ambassador to India, Abdullahi Mohamed Odowa, visited Somali nationals detained in India and attended the first court hearing related to their case.

During a working visit to Mumbai, the ambassador met 44 Somali citizens currently being held in prison after their arrest by the Indian Coast Guard in the Indian Ocean.

The detainees had been awaiting trial for an extended period. Following diplomatic engagement led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, authorities convened the first court session, which Ambassador Odowa attended.

Court officials said a second hearing has been scheduled, and the ambassador expressed optimism that the detained Somali citizens will ultimately regain their freedom.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Somali government to provide consular support and legal assistance to its citizens abroad.