Image source, @Krinfud / Instagram ; @Evan / TikTok ; @Jahnny / TikTok ; BBCImage caption, Adonay Berhane (L), Wongelawit Gebre Endrias (C) and Yohannes Mekonnen (R) were arrested because of their clothingByHanna Temuari, BBC Africa and Girmay Desta, BBC TigrinyaPublished11 December 2025 Ethiopian police have arrested a sixth popular TikTok creator days after five other influencers were detained over allegations of wearing "indecent attire" at a public event in the culturally conservative country. Adonay Berhane, 25, is a lifestyle and motivational creator with close to four million followers, who was named "TikToker of the Year" at the Ethiopia Creative Award 2025 – the same ceremony now at the centre of the controversy. Police said on Wednesday evening that he was under investigation. The detentions have ignited widespread debate across Ethiopian social media. Supporters argue the arrests violate freedom of expression and stifle creativity, while conservative voices have defended the police, insisting that public figures must respect cultural norms.
Published: December 11, 2025 5:40 pm
Source: BBC — Read original