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.

  • Deestan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    112·
    4 months ago

    Spreading outrageous lies that result in harassment and violence is clearly not something to tolerate.

    The US is not a good example to bring up if you want to argue it is fine to allow it.

    • The Picard Maneuver@lemmy.worldEnglish
      74·
      4 months ago

      Allowing others’ speech is the default. The ethical question is where we draw the line in silencing or punishing someone’s speech.

      In the US, the line would generally be specific threats or calls for violence. Someone being hateful or spreading awful rumors online could be a lawsuit by the wronged party, but you aren’t going to have cops show up at your door with handcuffs.

      • FelixCress@lemmy.worldEnglish
        82·
        4 months ago

        Allowing others’ speech is the default

        Freedom of speech is not a freedom to lie.

          • FelixCress@lemmy.worldEnglish
            133·
            4 months ago

            It absolutely isn’t.

            If a sales person sells you a faulty car claiming it works, it’s a fraud, not a freedom of speech.

            Freedom of speech covers opinions and ideas, not factual lies.

            • naevaTheRat@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
              71·
              4 months ago

              People’s brains fall out of their heads on this one hey? Like wtf, you’re actually responsible for what you say seems pretty basic. Nobody is arguing for prosecuting anyone who expresses opinions, or what they earnestly believe to be true and communicate in good faith. Just, if you make shit up and people get hurt well then, you did that hey.