Lahore Man Arrested for Cyber Terrorism After False UK Stabbing Claims Spark Riots
August 22, 2024Farhan Asif, a 32-year-old man, has been arrested in Lahore, Pakistan, and charged with cyber terrorism for allegedly spreading misinformation related to a stabbing incident in the U.K.
The misinformation involved a stabbing attack on July 29 that resulted in the deaths of three girls aged between six and nine and injuries to ten others.
Asif was charged after posting a false article on his website, claiming a Muslim asylum seeker was arrested in connection with the stabbings, which incited violence against a mosque.
The controversial article went viral shortly after the Southport attack, leading to unrest in over a dozen English cities.
In response to the riots, British authorities reported that 494 people have been charged, with over 150 already sentenced.
The misinformation contributed to over a week of rioting across England and Northern Ireland, resulting in more than 1,000 arrests.
Pakistani authorities noted that Asif claims to operate the 'Channel3Now' account alone, but it remains unclear if he is the sole responsible party.
During questioning, Asif admitted to writing the article based on unverified information from a UK-based social media account.
A police official stated that Asif claimed he merely reposted misinformation to gain views and income, downplaying the impact of his article.
Channel3 Now, a news account on the X platform, was among the first to report the incorrect name of the suspect, leading to widespread confusion.
British media clarified that the actual suspect was born in the U.K. to Rwandan parents who are reportedly Christian, countering the false claims.
Asif's case has been forwarded to Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), which highlighted that his actions created fear in Britain and damaged Pakistan's international reputation.
Summary based on 16 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Aug 21, 2024
Man charged in Pakistan for alleged role in spreading false claims before UK riotsTime • Aug 22, 2024
Pakistani Man Remains in Custody Over Online MisinformationYahoo News • Aug 22, 2024
Pakistan arrests man accused of spreading disinformation that fueled right-wing riots in BritainLos Angeles Times • Aug 21, 2024
Man charged over misinformation that led to U.K riots - Los Angeles Times