MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali police arrested a woman Monday after she allegedly insulted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a video posted online, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Malyuun Awad Haydar, is accused of defaming the president via a remixed version of “Birmade Xasan Sheekh,” which spread on TikTok and social media.
A statement from the Banadir Regional Command said the insult undermines national dignity, violates the law and will be prosecuted.
Police also announced they are looking for others involved in insulting comments against national leaders.
Officials urged citizens in Mogadishu to report individuals who repeatedly insult government officials or violate public ethics.
Four youths were arrested Sunday for similar offenses; suspects Omar Issa Salad, Mahad Omar Yirid, Amin Mohamed Hassan, and Abdisalaan Eenanshe Ibrahim will be taken to court.
Authorities warned that sharing or creating content insulting the president or spreading immoral material online could result in legal consequences.
This is the first known case in which multiple people are facing legal proceedings specifically for insulting Somalia’s president, though arrests for similar behavior have happened before.