Toon Crier

🚨 A 15-year-old boy was woken by four West Midlands Police officers banging on his door. Fraser, a schoolboy and Reform UK activist, was arrested in front of his neighbours, bundled into a police car and held overnight in a cell. His mugshot and DNA were taken; even his shoes were confiscated. While he was in the cell, officers searched his bedroom at home. His “crime”? Criticising a Conservative councillor for wearing shorts and a T-shirt to a council meeting, then joking on social media that the councillor “was not looking like a rent boy” when he wore a suit. Fraser also posted an altered photograph of the councillor wearing bunny ears. In what self-respecting democracy should a child be arrested for criticising an elected politician? The Free Speech Union is supporting Fraser and has taken on his case. His lawyers received an email from West Midlands Police stating that “it is alleged that your client’s comments could be considered a hate crime offence”. Months later, Fraser is still waiting to learn whether he will be charged. Speaking to the New York Post, FSU Director of Legislative Affairs Sam Armstrong said: “Broadly speaking, several thousand people a year are being arrested for… ‘offensive speech’ in the UK.” Since 2020, the FSU has handled more than 7,000 cases involving people whose free speech has been infringed and who have been punished for exercising it. More than 60,000 people have also been arrested for communications offences in the UK. The First Amendment protects US citizens’ right to free speech. As Sam told the New York Post, it is the “global gold standard”. Read more below 👇