Essex Police are under fire after launching an investigation into a social media post by columnist Allison Pearson. Critics are calling the probe an overreach that infringes on free speech.
The investigation centers on a year-old tweet about the Gaza conflict and has drawn widespread condemnation from political and civil liberties figures.
Pearson, a columnist for The Telegraph, revealed two Essex police officers arrived at her home on Remembrance Sunday, Nov. 10, to investigate the tweet. However, they couldn’t tell her what specific post they were investigating or who had filed the complaint.
Police categorized the tweet in question as a “non-crime hate incident.” This designation doesn’t result in criminal charges but is recorded in police databases. Some have labeled the tweet as inciting racial hatred.
The case has sparked a broader debate about the role of law enforcement in policing online speech. However, the controversy surrounding Pearson’s case is not isolated.
Earlier investigations into “non-crime hate incidents” have involved individuals being questioned over posts or statements that others found offensive. In one such instance, police investigated feminist writer Julie Bindel after a transgender activist filed a complaint about a tweet.
The Home Office has ordered a review of guidelines for investigating non-crime hate incidents. Officials said this is to ensure they aren’t being misused to restrict free speech.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the need for a balance between protecting individuals from harmful speech and safeguarding the right to express lawful opinions.