Somali police have arrested multiple social media content creators in connection with a series of videos that authorities say insulted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and national leaders.
Banadir Regional police chief, Colonel Mahdi Omar Muuminm said the arrests follow videos circulated on TikTok that “openly insult” the head of state and thus violate the constitution and national laws.
The four suspects accused of mocking the president were named as Omar Isse Salad, Mahad Omar Yirid, Amin Mohamed Hassan, and Abdisalan Eynashe Ibrahim.
Police said the clips show the men performing an altered rendition of a famous song in a way that ridicules the president.
“Videos circulated on TikTok show the group openly insulting the head of state, acts considered damaging to the dignity and honor of the national leadership, and in violation of the constitution and laws of the country,” the police said in a statement.
‘Engaging in misconduct’
Speaking at a separate press briefing in Mogadishu, police spokesperson Colonel Abdifitah Aden Hassan warned that anyone found guilty of defaming or insulting national leaders or of producing content that violates Somalia’s religious and cultural values, will face prosecution.
“Anyone using social media is advised to avoid content that disrespects our Islamic faith and Somali culture. From today onwards, anyone caught engaging in such acts will face legal consequences,” Colonel Abdifitah told reporters.
In a related case, police said they arrested Malyun Awad Haydar, who is accused of insulting national leaders and “engaging in misconduct.”
Officials said her actions are “an affront to the dignity and honor of the country’s leadership” and a breach of law; she is in custody and will be prosecuted.
Dangerous videos
Separately, the Somali Police also arrested four young men accused of producing dangerous TikTok videos that obstructed traffic and put road users at risk.
The suspects were identified as Abdirisak Mohamed Farah, Najib Abdullahi Mire, Feysal Osman Mohamed, and Abdirahman Abdimalik) Mohamud Dahir.
Police said the creators deliberately threw themselves into the path of moving vehicles in stunt footage that “could lead to serious accidents and loss of life or property.”
All suspects named in the three cases are in police custody awaiting referral to court, police said.
The arrests come amid stepped-up government action against harmful online content.
The Office of the Attorney General has repeatedly warned that social-media abuses undermining public morals and national laws will attract strict legal measures.
