August 7th 2024.
Recent conversations have revealed a concerning link between Russian channels and the UK riots that have been plaguing the country. It seems that foreign-backed actors are utilizing bot accounts to spread anti-immigration narratives during these tumultuous times.
According to reports, Russian trolls on the messaging app Telegram have been discussing their infiltration of British far-right channels. These infiltrations have been used to organize anti-Muslim demonstrations all across the UK. Other Russian language channels have also been caught discussing their tactics of deliberately provoking far-right channels to incite anger and violence among their members.
In fact, Bloomberg reported that a Russian Telegram channel called "Old England" shared a screenshot from a UK far-right channel, displaying messages that read "from Russia with love" and "we support you." This alarming revelation comes as tensions continue to escalate in the country, with over 100 far-right demonstrations planned for Wednesday evening.
In response to the violence, police dogs have been deployed to address the situation. This recent report from Bloomberg comes just days after an investigation by The Agency exposed the organized tactics of the far-right in spreading anti-Muslim and Islamophobic beliefs. This network of influencers has been using misinformation and violent demonstrations to target vulnerable communities in the UK.
Following the riot on July 30, even more ads promoting anti-Islam demonstrations began to circulate on local groups. These ads were eventually compiled and shared on a Telegram channel called Southport Wake Up. Now, more than a week after the tragic murders in Southport, over a hundred demonstrations are set to take place across the country, causing concern for both the police and residents.
In an effort to prevent further chaos, the Mayor of London has urged people to check on their friends and neighbors. The situation has become so volatile that employees at a Sky News campus were instructed to go home and prioritize their safety. With 6,000 riot officers mobilized, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised that those involved in the riots will face serious consequences.
What began as online tensions have now spiralled out of control in the UK. In light of this, the Greater Manchester Police have issued a statement asking communities to continue their everyday lives. They have also expressed their understanding of the fear and uncertainty caused by the spread of misinformation online, which is often intended to incite hate and fear.
James Lehman, the head of the Association of Convenience Stores, has also spoken out about the situation. He has urged retailers to be cautious and aware of the potential danger, especially for those who identify as Asian or British Asian. For them, the undercurrent of racism is a constant struggle, and these riots have only heightened their vulnerability.
Stay tuned to our live blog for the latest updates on the far-right riots. We will continue to provide accurate and timely information as the situation unfolds. Let us all hope for a peaceful resolution to this troubling situation.
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