Nine TikTok content creators have been arrested by Ethiopian police week for allegedly violating norms in the culturally conservative country.
The arrests followed the Ethiopia Creative Awards, a major event for TikTok creators held two weeks ago. Three influencers — including 25-year-old lifestyle and motivational creator Adonay Berhane, who has nearly four million followers — were taken into custody over their outfits on the night. Berhane, crowned “TikToker of the Year,” attended the ceremony in an open-necked shirt.
Lifestyle and fashion creator Wongelawit Gebre Endrias, known as Evan, was also detained after appearing braless beneath an oversized blazer. Another award-winning creator, dancer and content reviewer Yohannes Mekonnen (Jahnny), was arrested after wearing a man-bag at the event.
None of the influencers have commented publicly on their treatment.
Police later announced the arrests of Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje, and Girum Gezahegn, accusing them of posting TikTok videos that violated moral standards and alleging that two of them took part in an “inappropriate act” during a livestream.
The detentions have sparked strong reactions online, with supporters condemning the arrests as a violation of freedom of expression that stifles creativity. Conservative voices, however, have defended the police, arguing that public figures must uphold Ethiopia’s cultural norms.
Berhane’s mother, Abeba Gebru, told BBC Tigrinya she was shocked by her son’s arrest, describing him as her “backbone” and an “example to Ethiopian youth.” Berhane, who spent his teenage years in Canada, often uses his platform to warn against the challenges of emigrating and encourages young people to build their lives in Ethiopia instead.
The government has not commented, but police claim the detainees promoted behaviour that undermines public morality, raising concerns about the influence of online trends on the country’s youth.
With more than eight million social media users nationwide, the episode underscores the growing tension between Ethiopia’s rapidly evolving digital culture and its deeply rooted traditional values. Police have warned that further action will be taken against anyone who “violates the country’s cultural values” or promotes what they call “shallow culture.”
