Ethiopian authorities arrest TikTok influencers over alleged public morality violations
Ethiopian police have detained several social media personalities, including Adonay Berhane and Wongelawit Gebre Endrias, following an awards ceremony. Authorities accuse the group of “undermining public morality” due to what they described as indecent dress and behaviour during the event.
The arrests have sparked debate over freedom of expression, cultural norms, and social media influence in Ethiopia. TikTok stars have become increasingly prominent in the country, with millions of followers, and their style and performances often attract both admiration and criticism.
Officials stated that the action was taken to uphold public decency laws, which govern behaviour in public spaces and events. However, human rights observers and online communities have questioned the proportionality of the arrests, emphasizing the need to balance cultural standards with individual rights and freedom of expression.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Ethiopia between traditional values and the growing influence of social media and global youth culture. Legal proceedings are expected to continue, while debates over censorship, morality, and digital influence are likely to intensify in the public sphere.