Prosecutors are charging two 12-year-old boys.
Brutal Attacks on Police Officers, Muslim-owned Shops Looted and Set on Fire: Riots in the UK Cause Days of Unrest. Now, British Justice is Cracking Down. Over 450 People Charged, Including Two Minors.
Due to far-right riots in British cities, the justice system has so far charged hundreds of people, including two 12-year-olds. A boy from the northwest English town of Southport is accused of participating in the riots. In Manchester, a boy of the same age admitted to taking part in riots on two different days. These 12-year-olds are the youngest to be charged so far, according to Sky News. The age of criminal responsibility in England is 10.
The boy in Manchester admitted in court to throwing a projectile at a police car during the unrest. He was reportedly involved in riots outside a Manchester hotel housing asylum seekers.
The judge, Joanne Hirst, said the boy was more involved in the violence than any other defendant who has appeared in court so far, "whether adult or child." The 12-year-old, whose name cannot be revealed due to his age, remains in custody. A verdict is expected on September 2.
Attacks on Mosques and Refugee Accommodations
During the far-right riots in the UK, mosques and refugee accommodations were among the targets. So far, the police have arrested 927 people and charged 466. Several offenders have already been sentenced to prison terms.
A 41-year-old man was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison for his involvement in riots at a hotel near Rotherham, where asylum seekers were housed. An 18-year-old who threw stones at police officers in the city of Darlington and cheered about a hit was sentenced to one and a half years in youth detention.
The British government expressed satisfaction that the situation has recently calmed down. However, they remain vigilant and will not be complacent, a government spokesperson said. They praised the swift response of the justice system. Prime Minister Keir Starmer canceled his summer vacation due to the riots and the response of the authorities, the spokesperson said. According to the industry body UK Hospitality, the riots caused a significant drop in turnover in the hospitality sector.
Motive of the Attacker Unknown
The riots followed a stabbing incident in Southport where three girls were killed and several children were injured. Initially, social media claimed that the suspect was an illegal immigrant with a Muslim name. However, the police clarified that both claims are false. The suspected attacker was born in Wales to Rwandan immigrants.
The attacker targeted a holiday dance course and stabbed children and instructors. Besides the nine-year-old, a seven-year-old and a six-year-old girl also died. Several people were injured but have since been discharged from the hospital. A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the time of the incident. The motive of the suspected attacker is still unknown.
Right-wing riots kept the country on edge for days. Incidents included attacks on security forces, asylum seeker accommodations, mosques, and businesses. Thousands of police officers were deployed, with dozens injured. The situation has since eased, but the government remains "on high alert," according to a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. "Our work is not done until people feel safe in their communities."
The European Union expressed concern over the escalating violence and said it stands with the UK in upholding the rule of law.
Given the recent incidents, the European Union has urged the British government to reinforce its efforts to combat hate crimes and promote inclusivity within its communities.
