Comorian Authorities Detain Reunion Islander for Alleged Insults

Fatima Said, a Reunion Islander, was recently arrested and detained in Comoros during a visit to attend her niece’s wedding. She was accused of insulting a government official, a claim she vehemently denies, stating it was a pretext for harassment and retaliation. Said, who participated in protests against the Comorian government’s policies in 2019, believes her detention was politically motivated, as her husband, who did not participate in the protests, was not arrested. After being detained for over three weeks, she was released on August 12th due to the withdrawal of the complaint. The incident has raised concerns about freedom of expression and political persecution in Comoros.