A year after the UK’s worst racist riots in recent memory, it’s starting again. Hope Not Hate, an advocacy group based in the United Kingdom which campaigns against racism and fascism fears this summer could see even more anti-migrant protests and violence.
This started in early July in Epping, when an asylum seeker was charged with three counts of sexual assault — including kissing a 14-year-old girl. He denied the allegations but locals still protested outside the hotel where he and other asylum seekers live.
At first, the protests were peaceful, but then came the clashes. Far-right groups had been pushing the protests online, urging people to join in. The unrest spread to other towns. Counter-protests followed.
Last year, the murder of three young girls sparked riots in over 20 locations after false claims that the attacker was an immigrant went viral. Far-right mobs targeted mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
The organization further stated that this tactic is deliberate — using outrage over serious crimes to vilify all migrants, stir up fear, and divide communities. Violence, they warn, helps no one — least of all the victims.
The UK government now plans a special unit to monitor social media for anti-migrant posts. But experts say that’s just a start.
Hate speech or free speech? Where should one draw the line between both?
*This story was originally published on https://www.dw.com/ and is republished here with permission.*
