The Somali Police Force said it had arrested 10 people accused of spreading what it described as “bad behavior” on social media, announcing that it would continue operations against those accused of such acts.
Somali Police Force spokesman Abdifitah Adan, who held a press conference in Mogadishu, said the suspects were arrested during investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which he said was in cooperation with the Somali community.
“We want to present to the Somali community some of the people who were complained about by the community, whom the CID forces succeeded in arresting,” the spokesman said.
According to him, the police force is targeting people whom he accuses of spreading images and content on social media that go against the culture of Somali society, noting that some of the suspects were injured during the pursuit while trying to escape.
The spokesman said that the operation was not limited to those who were exposed, but there are other people who have been arrested, who he said will be exposed later.
Abdifitaah Adan also warned users of social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, saying that anyone who engages in actions that the police deem to be harmful to Somali culture will be subject to legal action.
“He said that if a person does not respect Somali culture, he will face legal action and will be brought to court.”
The spokesman also said that the police’s criminal investigation department has established a special unit to combat crimes committed through electronic devices (Cyber Crime), which he said will track actions that occur on social media.
Meanwhile, he warned owners of hotels and venues, saying that any venue that hosts or broadcasts what the police describe as immoral behavior will be subject to legal action, and may have its operating license revoked.
The police spokesman concluded by saying that security forces will continue operations against people they accuse of spreading content that goes against the culture of Somali society, saying that those arrested will be brought to justice promptly.
