UK Police Persist in Patrolling Speech: Have They Learned Nothing?

[Social Media]

 

Despite the recent backlash over the treatment of columnist Allison Pearson, it seems some lessons are yet to be learned by the police regarding their approach to speech on social media. Like children needing repeated admonitions, the police appear to require further instruction on where to draw the line.

 

The recent incident involving an anonymous social media user, known as “Cillian,” is a testament to this. Just as the controversy surrounding Pearson’s tweet was beginning to fade, law enforcement officers are once again embroiled in an investigation of a social media post that, while controversial, hardly merits police intervention.

 

Pearson’s ordeal began with a tweet about the differential policing of pro-Gaza protests, which led to an unwarranted investigation by Essex Police. The public outcry that ensued embarrassed the chief constable and should have served as a clear warning to other forces. Yet, here we are again, witnessing another overreach, this time by South Wales Police.

 

Cillian's offense was expressing outrage on X about a video featuring two young schoolgirls welcoming asylum seekers to Wales. In his viral post, he connected the video to the grooming gang scandal and criticized the Welsh Refugee Council for using young girls in promotional material aimed at attracting migrants. His post was provocative, certainly, but is it criminal? The police seem to think it’s worth investigating, much to the dismay of those who believe their resources would be better spent addressing more pressing issues.

 

The timing of the complaint, coming in late on a Saturday night, further highlights the questionable judgment at play. One would think the police would be preoccupied with serious crimes like assaults or robberies at that hour. Instead, they are diverting their attention to what many see as a waste of time, particularly when crime rates in South Wales are on the rise.

 

The video in question was originally intended for Ukrainian refugees as part of a school project. However, it broadly welcomed anyone fleeing conflict, listing various forms of support available in Wales. This raises concerns about what children are being taught regarding immigration and whether they are encouraged to critically evaluate the impact of such policies.

 

While the project may have had good intentions, its dissemination by the Welsh Refugee Council transformed it into a controversial public statement, leading to backlash and the eventual removal of the video from the council's platforms.

 

Cillian's commentary, albeit harsh, has sparked debate—a debate that perhaps should not be stifled by police intervention. Instead of involving law enforcement, it would be more constructive to engage in open discussions about the issues he raised.

 

The police now face a choice: continue to entertain such complaints and risk being mired in similar controversies, or dismiss them as unwarranted and focus on their primary duty—upholding public safety. The hope is that they choose the latter, learning from past mistakes and respecting the boundaries of free speech.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-01-18

 

 

[newbee2022]

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

 

Despite the recent backlash over the treatment of columnist Allison Pearson, it seems some lessons are yet to be learned by the police regarding their approach to speech on social media. Like children needing repeated admonitions, the police appear to require further instruction on where to draw the line.

 

The recent incident involving an anonymous social media user, known as “Cillian,” is a testament to this. Just as the controversy surrounding Pearson’s tweet was beginning to fade, law enforcement officers are once again embroiled in an investigation of a social media post that, while controversial, hardly merits police intervention.

 

Pearson’s ordeal began with a tweet about the differential policing of pro-Gaza protests, which led to an unwarranted investigation by Essex Police. The public outcry that ensued embarrassed the chief constable and should have served as a clear warning to other forces. Yet, here we are again, witnessing another overreach, this time by South Wales Police.

 

 

Cillian's offense was expressing outrage on X about a video featuring two young schoolgirls welcoming asylum seekers to Wales. In his viral post, he connected the video to the grooming gang scandal and criticized the Welsh Refugee Council for using young girls in promotional material aimed at attracting migrants. His post was provocative, certainly, but is it criminal? The police seem to think it’s worth investigating, much to the dismay of those who believe their resources would be better spent addressing more pressing issues.

 

The timing of the complaint, coming in late on a Saturday night, further highlights the questionable judgment at play. One would think the police would be preoccupied with serious crimes like assaults or robberies at that hour. Instead, they are diverting their attention to what many see as a waste of time, particularly when crime rates in South Wales are on the rise.

 

The video in question was originally intended for Ukrainian refugees as part of a school project. However, it broadly welcomed anyone fleeing conflict, listing various forms of support available in Wales. This raises concerns about what children are being taught regarding immigration and whether they are encouraged to critically evaluate the impact of such policies.

 

While the project may have had good intentions, its dissemination by the Welsh Refugee Council transformed it into a controversial public statement, leading to backlash and the eventual removal of the video from the council's platforms.

 

Cillian's commentary, albeit harsh, has sparked debate—a debate that perhaps should not be stifled by police intervention. Instead of involving law enforcement, it would be more constructive to engage in open discussions about the issues he raised.

 

The police now face a choice: continue to entertain such complaints and risk being mired in similar controversies, or dismiss them as unwarranted and focus on their primary duty—upholding public safety. The hope is that they choose the latter, learning from past mistakes and respecting the boundaries of free speech.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-01-18

 

 

Controversial tweets are often not accepted

[Smokey and the Bandit]

Sadly they won't learn!😟

[Andycoops]

The police are a increasing disgrace poking their noses into non criminal activities. 

A friend of mine son was taken to court for homophobic chanting without any evidence whatsoever.

 

The judge dismissed the case within minutes, a complete and utter waste of taxpayer money and resources.

 

 

Not to mention the family stress and financial outlay required to fight such wokeism.

[DaveBart]

The police wonder why the public no longer have confidence in them,this is just one of the reasons,woke rules unfortunately in Britain now

[soalbundy]

It's easier than working. Has anyone tried charging the police with harassment?

[Kinnock]

Forcing a change in the online narrative is easier than catching foreign grooming gangs.

[roquefort]

"This raises concerns about what children are being taught regarding immigration and whether they are encouraged to critically evaluate the impact of such policies."

 

I doubt if children are being taught to critically evaluate anything. What our masters want is ignorant, obedient voting fodder who believe everything they're told and follow orders.

[sammieuk1]

Simple you can say the magic two words "far right" and it's like a comfy kevlar jacket for the police and politicians mention Pakistani rape grooming illigals or muslims and your a racist  🤔

[Surasak]

The UK police couldn't find a bright candle in a dark room. About as dim as a TOC H Lamp.