Convicted Streamer Johnny Somali Signs Autographs in Korean Prison, Calls Himself a “Celebrity Inmate”

Johnny Somali claims that other inmates and guards are treating him like a star in a South Korean prison. Johnny is signing autographs and shaking hands with other detainees.

Ramsey Khalid Ismael, better known as Somali, received a six-month-and-20-day prison sentence on April 14th, as he was found guilty on multiple charges, such as creating deepfakes of other streamers. The prosecution recommended a three-year imprisonment with labor.

According to a letter posted on the YouTube channel Legal Mindset on May 18th, Somali asked one of his fans to send him a copy of Game of Thrones and to take screenshots of social media comments about his detention.

“I am like a celebrity inmate here, and I am treated very well by all of the inmates, many shake my hand and always say hello or yell ‘soooooomali!!’ from the other cells or cell blocks through the windows,” Somali said in the letter. He added that he has signed autographs for fellow inmates.

The Somali streamer currently lives together with other foreign nationals but is being offered a private cell. The conditions are “not that bad at all,” according to Somali.

However, this statement contradicts previous reports that the prison is hellish due to a lack of air conditioning and overcrowding. In his previous letter, Somali also compared the detention center to a hotel but noted that he could not use social media.

Moreover, Somali filed an appeal on his sentence, which may lead to an extended detention period. As a result, the Somali YouTuber’s legal situation has become complicated: as Legal Mindset reported, his lawyer withdrew, and he will be assigned a public defender.

It is worth mentioning that a second victim has filed a petition against Somali, requesting harsher punishment.