UK Arrests Citizens for Sharing Fake Information on Social Media
Far-right rioters in the UK, Aug. 2024. Photo: X/ @DalrympleWill
August 9, 2024 Hour: 10:13 am
Authorities arrested two people on suspicion of spreading hateful, racist, xenophobic messages.
On Thursday, UK authorities began arresting those who post “inaccurate information” on social media. This measure comes in response to the wave of extreme violence that erupted after the stabbing of three girls during a dance class in Southport.
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The first person arrested was Bernie Spofforth from Cheshire. This 55-year-old woman made posts aimed at inciting racial hatred and spreading fake data about the identity of the suspect.
“We have all witnessed the violent riots that took place across the UK last week, much of which was fueled by malicious and inaccurate online communications,” said Chief Superintendent Alison Ross.
“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of posting information on social media platforms without checking the accuracy. “It also acts as a warning that we are all accountable for our actions, whether that be online or in person,” she emphasized.
The riots began following the arrest of Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old who was born in Wales to Rwandan parents. However, on social media, hate messages portrayed him as a refugee who had entered the UK illegally.
This misinformation has been used by a “vocal minority” to sow division in society, advance their own agenda, and trigger a summer of impulsive insurrection seeking thrills in the aftermath of the disturbances that occurred in the days following the attack.
On Thursday night, Merseyside Police arrested a man on suspicion of using social media to instigate participation in street riots and for taking part in the Southport riots on July 30.
“This arrest shows that our goal is not only to bring to justice those who chose to participate in the violence and destruction in Southport and other locations,” the police stated.
“We are also determined to arrest anyone we suspect of attempting to incite online hatred and actively encouraging others to take to the streets to cause violence and physical harm in our communities,” the police added.
teleSUR/ JF Source: RT
