Johnny Somali accused of violating anti-terrorism laws after South Korean bomb scare
Controversial streamer Johnny Somali could be facing terrorism charges as the creator is already banned from leaving South Korea.
Ever since arriving in South Korea, Johnny Somali – real name Ramsey Khalid Ismael – hascaused chaosand incurred thecountry’s wrathfor disrespecting its culture.
So far, Somali has only beencharged with obstruction of businessfor wreaking havoc inside a 7-Eleven, but he has a laundry list of other alleged offenses that are also being investigated.
His latest alleged crime was revealed by YouTube lawyerLegal Mindset, who has been following Somali’s streams closely… and it could land the creator in extremely hot water.
“Johnny Somali violating both the Railway Act and Anti-Terrorism laws in this deleted video, that has now been exposed,” Legal Mindset explained.
In a deleted video, Somali was on the Seoul metro while his stream’s text-to-speech kept repeating, “I have a bomb,” over and over while walking through the train.
Johnny Somali (Ramsey Khalid Ismael) violating both the Railway Act and Anti-Terrorism laws in this deleted video, that has now been exposed.pic.twitter.com/EJ04BiWROX
“I’m sorry,” Somali told passengers. “There are kids right here, bro.”
It’s possible that this prank was thanks to his viewers, who donated to have their comments read aloud using the TTS.
Lawyer explains new allegations against Johnny Somali
Speaking with Dexerto, Legal Mindset explained that “Stating that he has a bomb is both a public disturbance and anti-terrorism, accordingly.”
Under South Korea’s anti-terrorism laws, incitement to violence, particularly if it involves racial hatred or threats against public safety, can be considered a terrorist act and carries a max penalty of seven years in jail.
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Additionally, broadcasting explicit content on a subway is considered a public disturbance and violates the Railroad Safety Act, which could result in a maximum of two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million Korean won (approximately $15,000 USD).
“If authorities determine that Johnny’s statements posed a legitimate threat to public safety or were made with the intent to incite public violence, he could face additional penalties, including asset seizure and restrictions on communication,” Legal Mindset told us.
A few moments after leaving the train, Somali received another donation and the North Korean anthem began playing.
Ismael could already be facing legal challenges forspreading North Korean propagandain the country, and this subway incident is yet another example of his divisive behavior.
This isn’t the first time that Somali’s TTS has gotten him in trouble. As X userCancelJohnnyspointed out, in Japan, the streamer played bomb threats and other remarks against the Japanese Prime Minister.
Johnny Somali and Jino played Japanese TTS that included d3ath threats and b0mb threats against the current prime minister last year.In shibuya police surrounded them 30 minutes later.#johnnysomalihttps://t.co/hP511EPkyzpic.twitter.com/A22wBUZFEY
These potential terrorism charges are just the latest in a long list of alleged crimes being investigated by the South Korean authorities.
AsDexerto reported, South Korean police have launched an investigation into Somali’s alleged drug use – a crime that comes with a maximum penalty of ten years in jail.
Somali could also befacing seven additional yearsin prison for using deepfake AI to depict himself kissing Korean streamer bongbong.
While Somali is confident that hewon’t face jail timeand will be able to return to the United States, all that might change once he makes his first, in what could be many, court appearances.
