It comes after millionaire mum Bonnie Spofforth said she was 'mortified' to be accused of being the first to spread the false rumours.

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.

  • Iceblade@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    3 months ago

    This

    Thankfully, I don’t live in a fucked up country where the legal apparatus can chase me down for other people misinterpreting my words.

    has to do with this

    If proof is important for internet debates, where’s your proof that she wasn’t anywhere near the start of this batch of far right violence? That’s a bold unsubstantiated claim that contradicts the police. Where’s your proof that the police falsely claimed that they traced online calls for violence following the child murders back to her? That’s an even bolder unsubstantiated claim. You claim she’s a political scapegoat. Where’s your proof that there was political interference in her arrest? That’s another bold unsubstantiated claim.

    Again, you are misinterpreting my words and going to a lot of effort to fight strawmen.

    I have to ask is why the **** you’re supporting her and acting like her defence lawyer?

    Because: a) I find it highly doubtful that the intent to incite exists or can be proven and

    The crime here isn’t lying on the internet, it’s spreading misinformation in order to incite violence.

    b) I’m bothered by these sorts of laws existing in a country even remotely close to me. They’re wrong, offensive, dangerous and worthy of combating.

    Who decides what speech is dangerous? Given that woman was arrested, my b) statement above might easily be considered equally or more inciteful.

    These sorts of laws could be leveraged even when people are saying the truth, but instead by a truly malicious operator. Let’s paint an obviously fictive scenario.

    The new “Britain First” movement has gained a lot of popularity within the UK police force and military, and is set to get several seats in the new election. An insider in the London force blows the whistle!

    “The Britain First party intends to overturn the election under the guise of voting fraud if they lose. They have to be stopped!” (Link to treasure trove of evidence)

    Later that day, the posters door is broken down, along with several other people who had reposted the statement online. They are arrested for “incitement to violence” and forced to take down their dangerous speech to prevent violent uprisings against the legitimate authority of the police.

    It’s important to remember that the very same powers given to institutions to protect us can be used against us if hijacked by malicious actors. Liberal democracy is a fragile thing.

    • davidagain@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      3 months ago

      I disagree with you. On almost every point. And your example includes no reference to violence. Don’t propose violence online, folks, you can go to jail. And I’m not sorry if you do.

        • davidagain@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          3 months ago

          Sigh. Iceblade, we’ve been over this, two days ago. You came up with excuses then and you’ll come up with excuses now. I attributed it initially to naivety, but I realise now it’s actually determination. It’s clear to me that you will strive to find any reason you can think of to defend this racist liar and her violence-suggesting tweet.

          I see where you stand and I think I know why, and I can see I won’t ever convince you she did wrong. I give up.