Court issues prison terms for two men convicted of spreading ISIS propaganda online from Europe.
Puntland’s Military Court has sentenced Mohamed Yacqub Siyad and Ali Ahmed Ali, two social media influencers, to 10 and 5 years in prison, respectively, for promoting ISIS propaganda online. The court found both men guilty of spreading disinformation aimed at discrediting Puntland’s military operations in the Calmiskaad Mountains, a key militant stronghold.
According to the ruling, Siyad resides in Germany, while Ali is based in Sweden. The trial in absentia raises enforcement challenges, as extradition from Europe remains unlikely. However, Puntland authorities emphasize that the verdict signals a broader commitment to combating terrorism in the digital sphere.
ISIS has relied heavily on social media for recruitment and propaganda, utilizing platforms such as Telegram and Twitter to disseminate high-quality videos and real-time updates. Puntland, a key player in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, has intensified military campaigns against militants in the region, particularly in the rugged Calmiskaad Mountains.
The verdict reflects growing efforts to curb online extremism, setting a potential precedent for how Somali regional administrations handle digital threats from abroad. While enforcing the sentences remains uncertain, Puntland’s message is clear: those who spread extremist propaganda, even from overseas, will be held accountable.
