In a tragic incident that rocked social media platforms, two young Somali TikTok users have been sentenced for their involvement in a fatal dispute that led to the death of a passerby.
The military court in Somalia ruled on Monday on the case, which had been closely followed by the public and media alike.
According to reports, the two TikTok users had a heated argument over a woman on June 28, 2023, which quickly escalated into a fistfight.
The following day, one of the TikTok users returned for a second round of the fight, accompanied by armed friends and plain-clothed security agents.
A passerby, Said Abdi Ali, attempted to intervene to prevent the fight, but tragically, he was shot dead by one of the security agents, identified as Mohamed Abukar Dayah.
The court’s ruling on Monday sentenced Dayah to death for his role in the killing of Said Abdi Ali. The second agent, who did not fire any shots, was sentenced to five years imprisonment, while their TikTok friend who invited them to the fight, was sentenced to one-year imprisonment.
The case has sparked outrage and condemnation across Somalia, with many calling for stricter regulations on social media platforms and the need to address rising violence among the youth.
The judge in the case, Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Barre, noted that the court had taken into consideration the impact of social media on young people and how it can fuel violent behavior. He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and take proactive steps to prevent them from engaging in violent behavior.
The ruling has been praised by many as a step towards justice for Said Abdi Ali and a warning to others who may be tempted to resort to violence. However, concerns have also been raised about the fairness of the trial and the need for more comprehensive measures to address the root causes of violence among young people.
