Three men have been sentenced to prison terms in light of their social media activity fueling the recent unrest in the UK.
Unrest Still Plagueing the UK
With the ongoing riots and unrest that have swept across the UK following the Southport murders, authorities are finally beginning to implement measures that will hopefully deter such behaviour and restore order.
Misidentified Suspect Leads to Riots
Unrest surfaced when the suspect of the Southport killings was misidentified online, and the misformation was spread rapidly.
Exploitation of Tragedy Surfaced
Many troublemakers have exploited the tragic incident as an excuse to incite and provoke violent behaviour, using social media’s reach and ease of use to rally and agitate the masses.
Three Men Facing Jail Terms
Three men have faced their sentence, all who turned to use social media as a platform to incite violent behaviour against those falsely accused.
Bulls Eye Set on Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Jordan Parlour was convicted of 20 months for encouraging people to target a hotel that housed refugees and asylum seekers.
Post to Encourage Targeting a Hotel
Judge Guy Kearl KC said, “You took to social media in order to encourage others to towards participation in the attacks upon the hotel.”
Racial Slurs Not Tolerated
Tyler Kay turned to the internet to urge asylum seekers to be set alight and has been sentenced to 38 months behind bars.
Protesters Even Warned to ”Mask Up”
Judge Adrienne Lucking KC told the Northhampton Crown Court that Kay’s post revealed a “fundamentally racist mindset” after calling for mass deportation as well as forewarning protesters to “mask up.”
First Welsh Convicted
Among the charges was Richard William, the first convicted Welsh citizen who will face three months for a derogatory migrant meme as well as encouraging people to riot on a local Facebook group which is dedicated to protests.
Social Media Posts Made Without Thought of ”Consequences”
Judge Lucking, proceeding over the trial of one offender, Taylor Kay, said that these posts had been made with the idea that there would be “no consequences.”
741 Arrested and 302 Charged
According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, more than 741 people have been arrested in connection with the riots, and 302 have already been charged.
Peaceful Protests Are Allowed
Judge Guy Kearl KC, who proceeded over Parlour case, emphasised that while individuals can express their opinions and engage in peaceful protests, any violent actions become unlawful.
Progress Seen in “Failed Riots”
About 100 planned protests did not come to fruition, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stating that he believes having more police present in the “right places” and bringing rioters to justice has “had a real impact.”
Online Activity That Stems Violence Is Unlawful
Starmer emphasised that those who incite any violence online will be prosecuted accordingly, “this is not a law free zone.”
Laws Broken Online or Offline Will Be Handled in Court
He also said that the government needs to examine social media “more broadly.” He reminded everyone that whether they are directly or virtually involved and have broken the law, they will face the justice system.
Online Behaviour Is Carefully Monitored
Starmer stated, “I think that’s clear from the prosecutions and sentencing today for online behaviour.”
Legislation to Be Revisited to Control Social Media Companies’ Responsibility
In light of social media acting as a catalyst for passing off disinformation, Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News that the government intends to reassess the legislation framework that governs social media companies’ responsibilities regarding content that can spur hate and violence.
Online Safety Act Ready to Be Amended if Need Be
The Online Safety Act passed in October 2023 is only due to commence next year. Still, Thomas-Symonds stated that they are ready to amend it if necessary, saying, “We stand ready to make changes if necessary.”
Specialised Trained Police Officers on ”High Alert”
Six hundred officers with specialist training will ensure that any potential unrest that may break out over the weekend is kept in check, stating they are “prepared and ready.”
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Loredana Sangiuliano.
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