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The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has urged the government to reconsider or clarify the law after the apprehension of comedian Graham Linehan for online posts. Linehan, 50, was detained on suspicion of inciting violence towards trans individuals on X under the Public Order Act. Sir Mark Rowley of the Met defended the officers involved in the arrest, acknowledging the controversy surrounding such incidents due to varying opinions on the balance between free speech and the potential risks of inciting real-world violence. Politician Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of focusing on the most critical issues when questioned about Linehan’s arrest in the Commons.
Linehan’s arrest has sparked criticism from various public figures and politicians who argue that it raises concerns about freedom of speech in the UK. Health Secretary Wes Streeting asserted the need for the government to review relevant legislation in light of the arrest, emphasizing a desire for the police to prioritize street policing over monitoring online content. Linehan clarified that his arrest at Heathrow Airport was linked to three posts made in April on X, with one post suggesting physically confronting a trans-identified male in a female-only space.
Despite being released on bail pending further investigation, Linehan has not been formally charged with an offense. Sir Mark stated that the decision to arrest Linehan was based on existing legislation, which considers threatening actions towards a protected group as potentially criminal. He highlighted the challenges faced by the police in navigating online speech issues, asserting that officers should not be tasked with regulating contentious cultural debates. Sir Mark called for a revision or clarification of laws and guidelines to prevent similar situations in the future, emphasizing the importance of updating procedures for determining which cases warrant police intervention. He also outlined immediate measures to enhance the triage process for identifying and addressing the most severe cases that pose a risk of harm or disorder.
Linehan, known for creating popular sitcoms like Father Ted and the IT Crowd, has emerged as a prominent activist strongly critical of the trans-rights movement. Recounting his arrest experience in an online article, the 57-year-old comedian described being confronted by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport upon his return from the US. Following questioning and a health assessment revealing high blood pressure levels, Linehan was escorted to the hospital. In addition to the incident related to his online posts, Linehan faces a harassment charge, which he denies, and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday
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