Wednesday June 12, 2024
Some of the 19 social media influencers charged by the Somali Attorney General's Office for spreading clan-based insults and engaging in "bad behaviour" online. The defendants are set to appear before the Banadir Regional Court as part of a crackdown on social media misuse. (Photo courtesy of the Somali National Police)
Mogadishu (HOL) - The National Attorney General's Office referred 19 social media influencers to the Banadir Regional Court on Tuesday for spreading clan-based insults and engaging in "bad behavior" online.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, the defendants are accused of inciting ethnic conflict, disrupting security, spreading hatred, and making insults while using social media, particularly the TikTok platform.
The office requested that the Banadir Regional Court start the case hearing immediately.
The Attorney General's office also issued a strong warning to individuals using social media for harmful practices that go against Islamic values and Somali cultural norms. Last month, Somali police arrested 21 social media influencers, both male and female, although two were released due to illness.
Many Somalis believe that spreading clan and family insults for monetary gain is unjustifiable. The use of offensive language, including insults and threats, is part of what the Somali government has condemned as immoral. Clannism remains a highly sensitive topic in Somali society, with many conflicts rooted in tribal divisions.
This week, over 50 people have been killed and 60 others wounded in inter-clan fighting in rural areas between Herale and Abudwaq towns in the Galgaduud region. The conflict started over a dispute involving grazing land and watering wells.