Friday July 26, 2024
Ahmed Ali Shire, disguised as a woman, sits at a police station in Galkayo following his arrest by Puntland police for allegedly impersonating a woman to engage in activities deemed immoral by Somali cultural norms. (Photo: Mudug Regional Police)
Galkayo (HOL) — In Galkayo, the Mudug region's capital, Puntland police on Thursday arrested a young man who was disguised as a woman. The incident highlights the crackdown on behaviour deemed immoral in Somalia's deeply conservative society.Ahmed Ali Shire, 20, who had been working in the cities of Garowe, Bosaso, and Galkayo under the assumed name Aniso Ali Shire, was apprehended by the Mudug Regional Police. Authorities said Shire altered his appearance to look like a woman, which contradicts Somali cultural norms.
"The Mudug Police Force captured a man disguised as a woman...The capture of this suspect was achieved by the commander of the Galkayo central police station, Lieutenant Ahmed Jamac Hayir (Raad Goob)," said a statement from the Mudug Regional Police Command.
Shire will be investigated further and brought before the relevant courts to face appropriate charges. This arrest is part of intensified efforts by Somali police to target individuals engaged in activities considered immoral or contrary to Somali cultural norms.
A similar arrest was made in Mogadishu just last night. Ahmed Suudi Ma'ow Deeyow, 30, was detained for allegedly impersonating a woman. The Banadir Regional Police arrested Deeyow, who is being held at the Hamarweyne District Station.
"The Somali Police Force is dedicated to preventing any behaviour that undermines our noble Islamic religion and the good culture of the Somali people," read a police statement following the arrest.
Related Cases
- Ashraf Ali Nur Arrest (July 2024): Nur, 24, was arrested for spreading immoral content on TikTok, causing controversy among Somali social media users.
- Hanad Abdirahman Mohamed Gariraye (April 2024): This TikTok influencer was detained for posting videos in women's clothing, sparking public outrage.
- Faisa and Abbas Case (February 2024): A young couple was arrested for sharing an "indecent" video on social media, leading to a nationwide debate on social media ethics and acceptable online behaviour.
Ahmed Ali Shire, no longer in disguise, stands in front of the Puntland Police emblem at the Galkayo central police station after his arrest for impersonating a woman. (Photo: Mudug Regional Police)