Widespread Arson and Looting Across the UK Amid SNS Misinformation... Spread of 'Far-Right Violent Protests'

Far-right violent protests triggered by 'false information' that the suspect in a stabbing rampage, which resulted in the deaths of three children in the UK, was a Muslim refugee applicant are intensifying. As the violence escalated to include looting, arson, assaults on police, and attacks on hotels and mosques known as refugee accommodation facilities, newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared a tough stance, stating, "This is not a protest, but organized violence," and vowed to "bring the rioters to justice."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the Guardian and other sources on the 4th (local time), at least 247 people have been arrested in connection with violent protests that took place over the weekend in major cities across England and Northern Ireland. On the same day, a fire broke out at a hotel in Rotherham, England, known as a refugee accommodation facility, due to an attack by protesters. During the incident, some participants assaulted police officers, resulting in at least 10 officers being injured.

In the northeastern city of Middlesbrough, protesters attacked houses and cars in residential areas, breaking windows repeatedly. When a resident asked why, the protesters reportedly replied, "Because we are British," according to the Associated Press. Libraries, police stations, and Islamic centers were also attacked, suffering damage or being set on fire.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The incident was sparked by a stabbing attack at a children's dance class in Southport near Liverpool at the end of last month, where three children were killed. False information spread on social media claiming that the suspect, identified as ‘Ali Alshakaty,’ an Islamic immigrant, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar (God is great)’ before the attack, which triggered violent protests by far-right groups opposing Islam and immigration.

Although all of this information was false, the protests that had already been triggered expanded further. Even after British authorities, who usually do not disclose detailed information about suspects under 18, officially announced that the suspect was a 17-year-old British-born male named Axel Ludakubana, protesters continued their attacks.

In particular, posts shared on social media by well-known far-right figures acted as fuel for the violence incited by false information. Tommy Robinson, co-founder of the far-right group English Defence League (EDL), which has been pointed to as being behind the incident, raised his voice, saying, "Why did the government let this Syrian man in to stab ‘innocent children’?" and demanded, "Close the borders and deport all criminals." CNN reported, "This violent protest is the most serious since 2011."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

This is a crisis for the Labour government led by Keir Starmer, who has been in power for only a few weeks. In a national address, Prime Minister Starmer strongly criticized the attack on the hotel in Rotherham, saying, "This is not a protest but organized and violent behavior." As a former Attorney General, he stated, "Everyone who directly participated in this riot or incited violence online and then fled will regret it," and confirmed a tough response policy, saying, "We will do everything necessary to bring these rioters to justice as soon as possible."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on X (formerly Twitter), "Hooligans, thugs, and extremist groups who attacked police, looted local shops, and assaulted people based on skin color have no excuse for their shameful behavior," and added, "Everyone involved in the lawlessness and violent acts on the streets must pay the price." Former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also wrote on X, "The shocking scenes we are witnessing on the streets of the UK have nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport where the stabbing incident occurred," and "This is criminal behavior that should not exist in our society."

The UK government views this incident not as an accidental outcome but as an organized operation by far-right forces. The rapid nationwide spread of such intense protests is attributed to the responsibility of social media. Joe Mulhall, research director at Hope Not Hate, a campaign against racism, told CNN, "The wave of riots and racist attacks has been identified within dispersed far-right networks, many of which operate on X," criticizing that social media platforms including X have become spaces that spread dangerous false information and incite protests. Additionally, some analyses suggest that Russia is behind the spread of false information. However, evidence regarding Russian involvement is weak, and some opinions note that the methods differ from usual patterns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.