UK Authorities Arrest Around 100 People in Xenophobic Riots
Far-right riots in the UK, Aug. 2024. Photo: X/ @moizesufally
August 7, 2024 Hour: 9:17 am
On Tuesday night, PM Starmer called an emergency meeting to make the country better prepared to combat further disorder.
On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that around 100 people have been charged, some concerning online activity, after the week-long riots across the United Kingdom.
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Some of those charged have already appeared in court on Tuesday, including a man who became the first person convicted for “posting online in relation to the public disorder,” the CPS said.
Jordan Parlour, 28, “has been convicted of using threatening words or behavior to stir up racial hatred” after making Facebook comments “advocating an attack on a hotel in Leeds,” and became the first person convicted for “posting online in relation to the public disorder,” the CPS revealed.
“I want to be absolutely clear, anyone involved in inciting this thuggish behaviour will face severe consequences,” said Nick Price, director of legal services at the CPS.
After last Monday’s stabbing in Southport resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries, false information about the suspect’s nationality spread online, sparking a series of violent far-right anti-immigration protests that have continued for a week and peaked over the weekend.
In the past week, protesters were seen throwing projectiles, attacking officers, looting stores and storming hotels housing asylum seekers in major cities like London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Nottingham, Plymouth and Belfast, as well as in towns like Middlesbrough, Bolton and Rotherham. Police have made around 400 arrests since the disorder broke out.
“What the government is doing is making sure that all elements of the criminal justice system — whether that’s the CPS, the courts, or the Prison Service — stand ready to ensure that swift justice can be delivered,” Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said on Tuesday, adding that there will be consequences for those causing “this mayhem.”
The government is accelerating the delivery of over 500 extra prison places for those engaging in violent protests. According to reports by the BBC and Sky News, there are further protests planned for Wednesday, with lawyers’ offices potentially being targeted.
On Tuesday night, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an emergency meeting, the second one of this week, to make the country better prepared to combat further disorder. Several countries have issued safety warnings to their nationals living in the UK or visiting the country, advising them to stay vigilant and avoid areas with protests.
teleSUR/ JF Source: Xinhua
