I have quite a few VIP posts in the archives of videos of British police arresting mostly elderly people for violating the "Malicious Communications" law by posting things to Facebook that may cause others "anxiety." My wife just started planning a vacation for us in Ireland and Scotland next spring … we'll be sure to steer clear of social media so we don't get ourselves arrested.
I wish I had more context for this video, such as when it was shot, but RadioGenoa is usually right on about things. I searched Google for news stories about a man being arrested for posting a meme of Pride flags forming a swastika — one I see all the time here on X — but whatever Google's AI is called told me that, "Yes, there have been instances of individuals being arrested for social media posts related to swastikas and LGBTQ+ pride flags."
"In August 2022," Google tells me, "an Irishman was arrested in England for reposting a picture showing a swastika made out of LGBTQ+ pride flags, according to The Irish Independent.
"He was arrested for 'causing anxiety' with the post.
This doesn't look like Ireland, so I'm pretty sure it's a different case.
Recommended
British police arrest elderly man for posting four LGBT flags in shape of a swastika on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/XMAt5Y23n1
— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) June 18, 2025
How many cops did they send? Four? It isn't easy to count them all.
The man says that all he wants is his freedom of speech. They don't have that in the United Kingdom.
100% True. pic.twitter.com/VJFek8tTvj
— Non-Doubting Thomas (@BIG_SGT_D) June 18, 2025
That was a year or two ago. That's @LozzaFox in the gray suit jacket filming it.
— Johnny Flyover 🇺🇸 (@JohnFlyover) June 18, 2025
I checked his X feed, and it looks pretty based. He posts a lot about Pakistani rape gangs, which is what Elon Musk did to be threatened with extradition to the U.K. and arrested.
Looks like they proved his meme correct.
— God's Whale Facts Decider Cow (@inane_gimmick) June 18, 2025
Meta sells you out before the government even asks. Don't use Facebook in third world countries like the UK.
— Pedestrian (@jimyenz) June 18, 2025
The Economist posted a piece in May claiming that British police arrest more than 30 people a day for online posts.
The British police is a joke.
— Jakub (@IxJakub) June 18, 2025
What has Britain become? It’s beyond repair
— Herd Bull (@OleHerdBull) June 18, 2025
Surprised they didn't bring the Armed Response Team...
— ExCalifornian (@ex__californian) June 18, 2025
The USA should change our relationship with the UK. They are opposed to basic western values.
— SenChasSumner (@SenCharlesSumn1) June 18, 2025
I see a lot of people ask why we're still allies with this country.
Pride, the new world religion. Protected by 'hate' laws, so loosely written, they can be interpreted in any way the authorities choose, should they want to go after you.
— NostrilHairmus (@Citizen457006) June 18, 2025
Why do police in Britain always come with an army of officers to arrest the white elderly people for social media posts.. They gotta be the weakest, softest bunch of pussies posing as police officers that I've ever seen 👀
— American_J (@JFedd99) June 18, 2025
I’m beginning to believe that all the brave Brits went to America centuries ago and what’s left is a spineless bunch of losers. Who allows this shit to happen in their country? Do they need someone else to swoop in and save them again?
— HorsesAreFree🌸 (@pbonis1) June 18, 2025
I already knew that you couldn't even "criticize" migrants, but I didn't know the LGBTQ crowd got the same protection.
***