Retired British Officer Arrested for “Thinking Crimes” Comments

A retired British police officer has been arrested for remarks regarding anti-Semitism in the UK. Julian Fawkes, who is 71 years old, has reportedly received formal warnings related to comments he shared on social media with someone who admitted to committing a crime.

The incident dates back to November 2023 when Fawkes commented on a post about an attack at an airport in Dagestan, where a mob targeted Jewish passengers. Following pro-Palestinian activism, the then-home secretary, Suela Braverman, labeled the anti-Israel protests a “march of hatred.” In response, Fawkes shared his views, which were flagged to Kent Police by the Metropolitan Police Intelligence Command due to concerns about online content.

It was noted that the post had very limited visibility, having only been viewed 26 times before it caught the attention of counter-terrorism forces. Nonetheless, this led to police visiting Fawkes’s home, where they detained him for eight hours and scrutinized his collection of books. They criticized some of his literature, suggesting it was “very short-term.”

“Kent police have interpreted my post as anti-Semitic,” he stated. “But it was the exact opposite. If they had looked at the full context, they would have understood.” He expressed frustration that they didn’t pause to review the entire conversation.

Fawkes felt intimidated by the prospect of facing criminal charges, especially as it could hinder his ability to visit his daughter in Australia.

He warned that the United Kingdom’s free speech is “clearly under attack,” adding that “no one is really safe.” He compared the current situation to earlier times, reflecting on political discussions that seemed disconnected from reality.

The Free Speech Union (FSU) announced that it will assist Fawkes in suing Kent police for what he considers an unlawful arrest and an infringement on his freedom of expression. Toby Young, the founder of FSU, criticized the police, claiming they have deviated from their primary role and have become unduly influenced by public sector activists.

After reviewing the case, Kent police apologized to Fawkes, acknowledging that their response was not appropriate given the situation. They expressed regret for the distress caused and stated their commitment to improving their procedures moving forward.