UK Man Arrested for Spreading Fake News
A woman has been detained in England for allegedly spreading disinformation on social media regarding the perpetrator of a recent knife attack in Southport. Cheshire Constabulary announced the arrest of a 55-year-old woman on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and spreading false information about the attacker.
According to Cheshire Police Chief Inspector Alison Ross, the spread of misinformation online has contributed to far-right incidents in the country since the attack on July 29, where three children tragically lost their lives. Ross emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media, highlighting the responsibility individuals have for their online actions.
The woman in custody, identified as Bernadette Spofforth, admitted to posting false information about the attacker’s identity. She explained that she received the information from someone in Southport and regretted sharing it without verifying its accuracy. Spofforth denied that her post incited far-right events but acknowledged that a Russian news site may have used her post as a source.
In her now-deactivated social media account, Spofforth falsely claimed that the attacker was a refugee named “Ali Al-Shakati” who entered the UK illegally and was monitored by intelligence services. The actual attacker was later revealed to be Axel Radukubana, a Christian born in Cardiff, Wales.
Following the spread of misinformation, far-right violence erupted in England and Northern Ireland, resulting in multiple attacks on immigrants, police, mosques, and property. Hundreds of individuals were detained in connection with the incidents, with some facing legal consequences for their involvement.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of sharing unverified information on social media and the potential consequences of spreading false narratives. Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and responsibility in their online interactions to prevent the escalation of misinformation-fueled events.
