Ghanam Al-Otaibi, a soldier fighting with the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen, fell victim to malicious, unscrupulous, tweeters who accused him of terrorism and claimed he was one of the perpetrators of the bombings on Monday.
The naming and shaming of the soldier, and the disgrace suffered by his family as a result, raise questions about the social media’s accountability, laws regulating the conduct of its users, and the extent to which it will protect individuals from similar attacks.
Faiz Al-Shihri, Shoura Council member and professor of journalism and electronic media, said Al-Otaibi has the right to take legal action against those who slandered him, adding that there is legislation against defamation and deception.
He said news websites dominate the social media due to the inability of mainstream media organizations to keep pace with these sites often run by unprofessionals who maintain anonymity and lack credibility and professionalism.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attacks.
“These crimes are all the more despicable as they were carried out as residents were preparing for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan,” Ban said.
The UN Security Council also strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks.”
It said “there is a need for those who are committing, organizing, financing and supporting these terrorist attacks to be brought to justice”.

Source: Arab News