Mogadishu (Raxanreeb), Banadir Regional Court has today sentenced 9 young women, who were social media influencers, and had recently been detained by the Somali government’s police forces in the country’s capital of Mogadishu.

The court has finally issued a verdict on the charges against these women, who were well-known on TikTok on Sunday. Among them were Sihaam Tahliil, Nashaad Nalka, Sacdiyo Galmudug, Iftin Model, Aniso Anjalii, and Farxiyo Zona.

They were all accused of inciting public unrest, stirring civil conflict, and spreading indecency, according to the national prosecutor’s previous statements. The case, which had gone through various stages was finally concluded today by the Banadir Regional Court.

Seven of the accused, out of the nine, were sentenced to six months in prison each. The court acquitted the remaining two, releasing them after finding no evidence of wrongdoing.

Additionally, there are other young individuals still detained and undergoing trial for similar charges of indecency and defamation using social media platforms, specifically TikTok.

This crackdown on social media youth began in May this year, leading to the arrest of many young people and social users in Mogadishu.