The London police, criticized for detaining a comedy scriptwriter over his social media posts criticizing transgender individuals, announced on Monday that it will no longer investigate so-called 'non-violent hate incidents,' LETA reports citing AFP.
Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police of London Mark Rowley has called for a clearer approach to offensive posts on social media after Irish writer Graham Linehan was detained upon arriving at Heathrow Airport in September due to three messages on the X platform.
The inspection body overseeing British police had previously recommended that authorities cease the registration and investigation of such hate incidents that are not criminal offenses.
"Rowley made it clear that he does not believe police should maintain order in the toxic debates of culture wars, as current laws and norms regarding online hate speech put them in an impossible position," the London police statement said.
"As a result, the Metropolitan Police will no longer investigate non-violent hate incidents," a police spokesperson stated. He added that this decision would provide "clearer guidance for officers" and allow them to focus on criminal investigations.
At the same time, the statement emphasized that such incidents will still be recorded, and police will continue to investigate and detain those who commit hate crimes.
On Monday, the prosecution also announced that it would not take "further action" against 57-year-old Linehan in connection with his detention. The writer was accused of inciting hatred through his social media posts.
"If a man identifying as transgender is in a space designated exclusively for women, he is committing a violent, offensive act," one of his posts stated. "Make a scene, call security, and if that doesn’t work – kick him in the balls," Linehan continued in the same message.
Following the prosecution's announcement to drop the case, Linehan stated that he intends to "hold the police accountable" for their "attempt to silence and suppress critics of gender ideology."
The writer's detention was condemned by Brexit politician Nigel Farage and 'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling. Billionaire and owner of the X platform Elon Musk also joined the debate, calling the UK a "police state."
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged that the police should focus on "the most serious issues." Rowley added that in the future, the police will only investigate social media posts that "present a clear risk of harm or disorder."
