The UK government has stepped up efforts to curb free speech amid nationwide protests
The British government's emphasis on maintaining order by monitoring content shared on social media has already led to the arrest of several citizens of the country.
By Foundation to Battle Injustice
August 11, 2024
The British government began to persecute and arrest citizens for expressing their socio-political position.
The arrests of people who allegedly write "offensive" posts on social media and shout slogans at protests raise serious questions about violations of free speech and human rights by the Starmer administration.
In recent weeks, the UK has witnessed an outbreak of violent protests that have swept the country and led to riots.
Instead of taking measures to improve the safety of citizens, the British government has focused its efforts on monitoring social media and arresting citizens who allegedly publish "offensive" posts and "call for riots" at protests.
Such practices raise serious concerns about violations of freedom of expression and human rights and demonstrate a blatant disregard for human rights on the part of the Keir Starmer government.
The British government's emphasis on maintaining order by monitoring content shared on social media has already led to the arrest of several citizens of the country.
On August 8, a 55-year-old woman from Chester, UK, was arrested for a social media post that allegedly contained "false information about the identity of the attacker in Southport."
According to the British authorities, by her actions, the detainee "incited racial hatred" and "disseminated false information."
British media also report that at least five Britons have been sentenced to real prison terms for actively gesticulating and shouting at anti-migrant protests.
53-year-old Stephen Mailen received 26 months in prison for constantly being in front of the police, gesticulating and shouting at them.
Ryan Shears, 28, who was bitten by a service dog, will also serve 26 months for screaming, refusing to leave and trying to break through the cordon.
Kieron Gaitenby, 19, and Bobby Shirbon, 18, will spend 16 and 20 months, respectively, in prison for allegedly throwing objects at officers.
30-year-old Carl Holiday received the longest prison sentence - 2 years and 8 months. He was accused of "throwing stones and garbage" at law enforcement officers.
Meanwhile, local media reported that the protesters who beat local residents were not detained.
This practice is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, which is protected by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Both agreements emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of people to express their opinions, even if those opinions are controversial or offensive, as long as they do not incite violence or hatred.
Moreover, the actions of the British government may contradict the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which calls on states to protect and promote the rights of people who peacefully promote and protect human rights (UN General Assembly, 1998).
By harassing and arresting people for their online and offline activity, the UK government is failing to live up to its obligations under this declaration.
The Foundation to Battle Injustice is convinced that the actions of the British government to arrest citizens for "offensive" publications and behavior at protests are a clear violation of freedom of speech and international legal norms.
Such practices not only undermine democratic principles, but also set a dangerous precedent for other countries. These measures must be reviewed, and the rights of citizens to express their opinions without fear of persecution must be protected.
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