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Elon Musk slams Starmer over Facebook hate charge

(Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

The first person in the UK to be charged with stirring up racial hatred on Facebook during the riots is due in court next week. Jordan Parlour, a 28-year-old from Leeds, will appear at the city’s magistrates’ court today – but it appears his case has already attracted attention from across the pond, not least from Twitter owner Elon Musk…

Musk slammed the news of the arrest after a video of a man being questioned by police was circulated – although it is not clear whether this is indeed Parlour himself. The Tesla CEO took to his social media platform in outrage, quote-tweeting the clip. ‘Arrested for making comments on Facebook! Is this Britain or the Soviet Union?’ he fumed. Then, tagging the ever-helpful Community Notes feature, he enquired: ‘Is this accurate?’

The tech investor didn’t stop there. He then went on to post an image of a Family Guy character strapped to a torture chair, writing: ‘In 2030 for making a Facebook comment that the UK government didn’t like.’

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Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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