Ten Arrested In Mogadishu For Watching Match On TV!

At least 10 people have been arrested by Islamic fighters who accused them of watching the banned screening of World Cup football matches currently going on in South Africa.

The groups imposed a ban on the viewing and screening of the matches in Somalia but local fans have been daring to watch the games at the homes of those who can afford to install satellite dishes.





According to Radio France Internationale, unconfirmed reports say that two people were also killed after Islamic fighters stormed a house in Mogadishu as youths were watching live matches from the World Cup in South Africa.

The factions argued that watching the games, or playing football, is a waste of money and time and that the sport is a western influence on Somali Muslim society.

Residents in the government-controlled side of the capital Mogadishu freely watch the games in the few cinemas that dare to screen the matches, while others share with relatives and neighbors who have satellite dishes.

Islamists groups who control much of south and center of Somalia, including large swathes of the capital Mogadishu, also banned the airing of music by local radio and TV stations.

In February this year, these militant groups sprayed bullets and killed two people and injured several other football fans who were watching a European Champions League match at a cinema hall in Mogadishu.