"We understand the concern around this case. The commissioner has been clear he doesn't believe officers should be policing toxic culture war debates, with current laws and rules on inciting violence online leaving them in an impossible position. As a result, the Met will no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents. We believe this will provide clearer direction for officers, reduce ambiguity and enable them to focus on matters that meet the threshold for criminal investigations."
"The 57-year-old Irish comedy writer was arrested at Heathrow Airport after flying in from Arizona in September by the Met Police on suspicion of inciting violence over three posts he had made on X. The arrest sparked controversy, with Conservative politicians and Harry Potter author JK Rowling among those who criticised the arrest. The head of the Met Police said at the time that officers are in "an impossible position" when dealing with statements made online."
A 57-year-old Irish comedy writer was arrested at Heathrow after flying in from Arizona in September on suspicion of inciting violence over three posts on X. The arrest attracted criticism from Conservative politicians and JK Rowling. The head of the Metropolitan Police described officers as being in "an impossible position" when handling online statements. The CPS reviewed the evidence and concluded there was no realistic prospect of conviction, and police told the writer's lawyers he faces no further action. The Met will no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents, but will record them as intelligence and continue to pursue criminal hate offences.
Read at Irish Independent
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