Countries often implement strict measures to address rioting and propaganda. For instance, Russia has taken a firm stance against both through legal and state control measures. The Russian government has used substantial force to suppress violent protests and public demonstrations, such as during the 2011-2012 anti-government protests, where authorities dispersed crowds with police force and arrested many participants. The legal system has imposed fines and prison sentences on those deemed responsible for unrest. Russia’s 2019 “fake news” law targets individuals spreading what the government considers false information, and the state controls major media outlets. Turkey has also faced challenges related to riots and propaganda and has responded with a range of strict measures. In response to the 2013 Gezi Park protests, the Turkish government implemented extensive police measures to manage the unrest. This included the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrests to quickly suppress the protests and maintain public order. Following the protests, legal actions were taken against protest leaders and activists, including arrests and prosecutions.
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Turkey has enacted stringent laws to control and address propaganda. The government’s crackdown on dissent includes the 2016 anti-terror law, which has been used to target individuals and organizations accused of spreading propaganda or supporting terrorism. Additionally, the state has exerted control over media outlets and imposed restrictions on online freedoms to limit the dissemination of dissenting views. Iran’s approach to managing rioting and propaganda reflects its strict governance style, characterized by significant control. In response to protests like the 2009 Green Movement and the 2019 fuel protests, the Iranian government has employed severe measures, including deploying security forces to suppress demonstrations, arresting protesters, and imposing harsh sentences. Tactics such as the use of force and shutting down communication channels have been commonly used.
Iran has implemented stringent laws against what it deems subversive propaganda. The government closely monitors and controls media and internet access, censoring content that is considered a threat to national security. Individuals involved in spreading dissent or anti-government sentiments face arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment.
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Egypt’s response to rioting and propaganda also emphasizes security and control. The government has addressed unrest, such as the 2011 Arab Spring protests and subsequent demonstrations, with severe security measures, including deploying security forces, using live ammunition, and conducting mass arrests of protesters and activists. Legal actions have been taken against those accused of inciting unrest. Additionally, the Egyptian government has imposed strict controls on media and online platforms, enacting laws against “false news” and anti-government propaganda, and penalizing those who disseminate information considered harmful to state interests. The government also monitors and censors online content to prevent the spread of dissenting views.
In the UK, recent riots have also made headlines. On July 29 this year, a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event resulted in the deaths of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, with eight other children and two adults injured. Police arrested a 17-year-old from a nearby village and stated that the incident was not being treated as terror-related. Immediately following the attack, social media posts falsely speculated that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK in 2023, spreading incorrect names and unfounded rumors, including that the suspect was Muslim. In reality, media reports revealed that the suspect was born in Wales to Rwandan parents. The police urged the public to avoid spreading “unconfirmed speculation and false information.”
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The following evening, more than a thousand people attended a vigil for the victims in Southport, where violence erupted near a local mosque. Rioters threw bricks, bottles, and other missiles at the mosque and police, set a police van on fire, and injured 27 officers. The disorder was widely condemned, with local MP Patrick Hurley criticizing “thugs” who exploited the tragedy for political gain and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer denouncing the “marauding mobs” in Southport. By August 6, police had made over 400 arrests, including children as young as 11. Sir Keir Starmer condemned what he described as “far-right thuggery,” vowing that charges and convictions would follow regardless of the apparent cause or motivation behind the violence. He warned that those involved in the violence, including those inciting it online, would face serious consequences. The government announced that a “standing army” of specialized officers would address the disorder, and police forces would collaborate to share intelligence on violent groups. Additionally, efforts are underway to work with social media companies to remove misinformation and disinformation. The government also pledged to create over 500 new prison spaces to ensure that those involved in the violence can be incarcerated. Authorities are exploring terrorism charges for some suspects and considering the extradition of influencers from abroad who may have contributed to the disorder. In the UK, police have arrested three individuals linked to violent and hateful social media posts following far-right violence. Online footage captured one of these arrests at their home, showing police detaining the individual under the Communications Act for misuse of an electronic communication network. The authorities informed the person that they were being taken to the police station for questioning related to complaints about offensive social media comments.
Another individual, 28-year-old Jordan Parlour from Leeds, has been charged with inciting racial hatred online in connection with recent violent riots in the UK. Parlour, the first person prosecuted for sharing criminal content related to the violence, is scheduled to appear in court. In a separate case, Cheshire Police arrested a 53-year-old woman from Alsager parish after investigating a complaint about a hateful message posted in a community group in Kidsgrove.
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Recent reports indicate that five individuals have been sentenced to prison in the UK for their involvement in violent protests. This includes a 53-year-old woman sentenced to 15 months for posting threats to blow up a mosque. Additionally, 26-year-old Conor Whitley and 49-year-old Trevor Lloyd received prison sentences for inciting violence, with each ordered to serve three years. Glenn Guest, 60, was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months for assaulting a police officer, while Dominic Capaldi, 34, received a 34-month sentence for his role in the Bristol riots. The UK continues to enforce strict penalties for violent protest activities.
These actions highlight that no civilized society tolerates rioters and propagandists. However, the situation in Pakistan is markedly different. There is an urgent need for Pakistan to adopt stringent measures against rioters and propagandists. Social media in Pakistan is currently perceived as a platform for spreading hate, negativity, and false propaganda. It is crucial to take decisive action against the spread of negativity, rumors, and hate online, and to make a strong example of those involved. The state must assert its authority and deploy all available resources to address these issues effectively.
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