Liar, Liar

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Pakistani authorities arrested a 32-year-old man this week for allegedly spreading misinformation about the deadly stabbing that took place in the United Kingdom last month, an attack that sparked nationwide anti-immigrant riots across the country, the Washington Post reported.

Police have accused Farhan Asif, a freelance web developer based in the southern city of Lahore, of amplifying false information that incited the unrest in the UK. Asif is alleged to have used the website Channel3Now and its X account to falsely identify the attacker as a Muslim asylum seeker named “Ali al-Shakati.”

The original attack on July 29 involved a multiple stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, northwest England where three children were killed, and 10 other people were injured. British police said the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was born in the UK to parents with Rwandan heritage. He was 17 when he allegedly committed the attacks.

Asif has confessed to posting false information without verifying its authenticity. While Pakistani officials have taken him into custody, it remains unclear if the UK will request his extradition.

The false information resulted in violent riots across the UK, including attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, mosques, and clashes with police.

More than 1,000 suspects have been arrested in connection with the riots and nearly 500 charged, according to the Independent.

Individuals involved in the riots are facing serious charges. Ex-serviceman Peter Beard for example was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for his role in the unrest.