London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley warned on Friday that UK authorities are willing to extradite foreign citizens who post online comments that violate British law. The threat of prosecution and possible imprisonment, which extends to American citizens and high-profile individuals like Elon Musk, comes as the British government ramps up its efforts to police online speech amid ongoing riots and protests against mass migration from Muslim-majority countries.
“We will throw the full force of the law at people,” Rowley told Sky News, addressing those like Elon Musk who have criticized the British government’s crackdown on online speech. “And whether you’re in this country committing crimes on the streets or committing crimes from further afield online, we will come after you.”
“Being a keyboard warrior does not make you safe from the law,” he continued. “You can be guilty of offenses of incitement, of stirring up racial hatred, there are numerous terrorist offenses regarding the publishing of material. All of those offenses are in play if people are provoking hatred and violence on the streets, and we will come after those individuals just as we will physically confront on the streets the thugs and the yobs who are…causing the problems for communities.”
Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley threatens to EXTRADITE and imprison American citizens over online posts.
He does not rule out Elon Musk. pic.twitter.com/AUJhEgTTtJ
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 9, 2024
Learn more about the 2024 Vault Conference and secure your ticket today!
The violent protests sweeping the UK were sparked by a mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event for children that left three young girls dead and others injured. False reports emerged identifying the 18-year-old perpetrator as a Muslim asylum seeker, but authorities have indicated that the murderer is the British-born son of legal Rwandan immigrants. Nevertheless, the incident tapped into larger concerns about the UK’s mass migration problem, leading to street clashes between furious nationalist protesters and counter-protesters from Muslim communities.
As the unrest continues, the Crown Prosecution Service is warning citizens to “think before you post” in order to avoid criminal charges for inciting “hatred.”
“Content that incites violence or hatred isn’t just harmful – it can be illegal,” the government agency wrote. “The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences.”
Think before you post! 📲✋ Content that incites violence or hatred isn't just harmful – it can be illegal.
The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences. pic.twitter.com/5gxnUH02yw
— Crown Prosecution Service (@CPSUK) August 7, 2024
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
Got a hot scoop or an idea for a story? Connect with the VT writers on Minnect!
Add comment