Ethiopian authorities have dramatically escalated their campaign against digital content creators, arresting the country’s newly crowned “TikToker of the Year.”
Adonay Berhane, a 25-year-old lifestyle influencer with a massive following of four million, became the sixth high-profile figure taken into custody this week. Police confirmed late Wednesday that Berhane is under investigation. His detention marks a significant intensification of a state-led initiative to police public morality.
Consequently, the very ceremony meant to celebrate digital creativity—the TikTok Creative Award 2025—has become the epicenter of a legal firestorm.
A Clash of Values
The arrests center on clothing choices made by guests at the recent awards gala. Police allege that the influencers appeared in “indecent attire,” violating societal norms in the culturally conservative nation.
Authorities have justified the sweep by citing the need to protect the country’s youth from what they describe as “shallow culture.” Furthermore, officials issued a stern warning that legal consequences await anyone deemed to be “violating the country’s cultural values.”
The specific fashion choices that triggered the arrests include:
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Adonay Berhane: Flagged for wearing an open-necked shirt.
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Wongelawit Gebre Endrias (Evan): Detained after reportedly wearing an oversized blazer without a bra.
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Yohannes Mekonnen (Jahnny): Cited for accessorizing with a “man-bag.”
Three other creators—Bereket Tsegaye, Mekdim Dereje, and Girum Gezahegn—remain in custody alongside Berhane.
Irony of the “Model Citizen”
Berhane’s arrest has shocked his supporters, largely because his content often aligns with nationalistic values. After spending his teenage years in Canada, he returned to Addis Ababa to build his career.
Unlike many peers who aspire to leave, Berhane uses his platform to discourage emigration. He frequently highlights the difficulties of living abroad, urging young Ethiopians to build their futures at home.
His mother, Abeba Gebru, expressed disbelief at the situation. She described her son as her “backbone” and insisted he is an “example to Ethiopian youth.”
Public Outcry and Division
The crackdown has polarized Ethiopia’s digital landscape, which boasts approximately eight million social media users.
Civil liberties advocates argue the detentions are an overreach that stifles creative expression. Conversely, conservative factions have applauded the police action, maintaining that public figures bear a responsibility to uphold traditional standards.
As the investigation continues, the debate over where personal style ends and public offense begins shows no sign of cooling down.
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