By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali police presented 10 suspects accused of publishing content on social media that authorities said violated public morality and Somali cultural values.
The suspects were arrested during an operation carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with assistance from members of the public, according to police.
Police spokesperson Abdifitah Aden Hassan said the suspects are accused of sharing material that promotes what authorities describe as immoral behaviour, including content related to homosexuality and other acts that violate Somali social norms.
"The Somali Police Force has arrested 10 suspects accused of spreading content on social media that is contrary to the values and morals of Somali society," the spokesperson said.
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Hassan added that members of the security forces were injured during the operation but did not provide further details about the circumstances or the extent of the injuries.
Police said the suspects will be charged in court, while the search for other individuals involved in similar activities continue.
The spokesperson also announced that the CID has established a specialised unit to investigate crimes committed through social media platforms.
Authorities further warned hotel owners in Mogadishu against allowing their premises to be used for recording or hosting content that the government considers contrary to Somali cultural values, saying businesses found in violation could face legal action.