MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — In a move that would likely strike awe in the hearts of American neo-cons, 20 Somali men have been arrested by Islamic militiamen after having allegedly viewed a pornographic video.The men found themselves in court Wednesday, after becoming part of the Somali capital’s new Islamic ruling class’ efforts to firmly enforce a narrow interpretation of Islamic law. The move is only one that has caused some observers to voice concerns about the possibility that Somalia may become another Afghanistan under Taliban rule, complete offering terrorist elements sanctuary.
The arrest was achieved after 20 militiamen broke into a video hall in the northern part of Mogadishu late Tuesday, after cruising the city in a pickup truck complete with mounted machine-gun.
According to Moalin Shire, an official of the Islamic court with jurisdiction over the video hall, the accused will be “rehabilitated” and released after they have been suitably educated about the supposed harm of such videos and how they conflict with Islamic law, as the current government interprets it.
Islamic militia members have been exceptionally aggressive in their capture and control of the region. On July 4th, two people watching the World Cup soccer broadcast were shot dead, although those responsible were later arrested.
It is unknown whether or not the video hall where the men were arrested has been closed down.
