19/03/2024
Right wing and hate inspired groups often claim to be arbiters of law and order. But this is a lie. They are an undisciplined rabble of venom. The Daily Mirror newspaper reports that the police chief who oversaw the King's Coronation and the Queen's funeral has been hit by a torrent of "vile" and "homophobic" online abuse. Scottish police officer Karen Findlay received an onslaught of offensive comments after the British Transport Police posted a photo of her on social media to commemorate her appointment as Assistant Chief Constable. Her appointment was targeted by online trolls, many anonymous, making horrendous personal sexist and homophobic comments. Karen, in the manner of Margaret Thatcher, was not for turning. She said "As female officers and staff colleagues, within policing and in any other job, our professional experience, contribution & commitment should be the focus. NOT the vile misogynistic, homophobic, sexist vileness experienced. It's not ok, and nor is being silent on it." Commissioner Met Chief Sir Mark Rowley said "Just in recent weeks, we’ve seen officers become the victim of social media pile-ons for being from Eastern Europe or for appearing to be Muslim. We don’t have to look back far to see really prominent examples from across the country of female officers having their appearance, their hairstyles, their clothing or their perceived sexuality become the subject of ridicule or personal cruelty." He concluded " We will offer Karen the support she needs. We will do the same for those other officers who have been targeted" .
