The woman accused of being first to spread the fake rumours about the Southport killer which sparked nationwide riots has been arrested.
Racist riots spread across the country after misinformation spread on social media claiming the fatal stabbing was carried out by Ali Al-Shakati, believed to be a fictitious name, a Muslim aslyum seeker who was on an MI6 watchlist.
A 55-year-old woman from Chester has now been arrested on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, and false communication. She remains in police custody.
While she has not been named in the police statement about the arrest, it is believed to be Bonnie Spofforth, a mother-of-three and the managing director of a clothing company.
They’re not being punished for disagreeing with the government - that was when the conservative government made it illegal to protest climate change. No, they’re being punished for causing violence. It’s not that the opinion is wrong, it’s that the far right lies caused far right rioting. I don’t know why anyone thinks that should be consequence free. It’s crazy that you would think it should be allowed.
It’s not a question of what speech I think should be allowed, but rather a question of what powers I think the state should have.
Well I think the state should have the power to jail people for starting nationwide riots. I don’t see why you don’t. It’s weird. You think the rioters should go to jail but the ones that kicked it off shouldn’t? Really odd.
It’s less about thinking she shouldn’t be punished for her speech, and more about thinking that the state shouldn’t have the power to punish speech. To quote Thomas Jefferson, “I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.”
