Thursday February 29, 2024
Faisa and Abbas, a young couple from Mogadishu, in a screenshot from their widely viewed TikTok video.
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali police have arrested a young couple, Faisa and Abbas, from Mogadishu for posting what authorities deemed an 'indecent' video on social media, sparking widespread debate across Somali online platforms. The video, which has attracted over one million views on Facebook and nearly 700,000 on TikTok, led to their detention as part of a broader crackdown on inappropriate behaviour, according to Major General Qasim Ahmed Roble, a Somali Police Spokesman. The case, highlighting privacy issues, social norms, and online behaviour, is slated to be transferred to the judiciary after 48 hours.
The couple, known for sharing their family life on TikTok, reflects a modern trend among younger generations in Somalia, who often broadcast extensive details of their personal lives for viewership and income. This practice has drawn criticism within the Somali community, with many blaming the oversharing culture for undermining traditional values.
Legal expert Abukaate Abdinasir Hussein told the BBC that the Somali Criminal Code addresses immoral acts, yet it is unclear if the couple's actions specifically contravene these laws. The incident has ignited a broader discussion on social media ethics and legality, particularly concerning what constitutes acceptable online behaviour within the bounds of culture, religion, and ethics.
In response to the incident and public reaction, the police chief emphasized a strategic shift towards more vigorously addressing the spread of immoral content online. He stated that while there are no new regulations, authorities will enforce existing laws to combat such behaviour, reflecting growing concern over digital conduct and its societal impact.
The controversy also highlights challenges in enforcing laws against online misconduct, as advanced technologies enable users to evade detection. Despite these obstacles, authorities say they remain committed to identifying and arresting individuals accused of promoting 'evil' on social media platforms.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service