UK Woman Sentenced to 15 Months for Facebook Post Calling to “Blow Up” Mosques

A 53-year-old woman from Cheshire in England has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after making a shocking post on Facebook that called for mosques to be “blown up with the adults in it.” Julie Sweeney, of Church Lawton, pleaded guilty to sending communications that “threaten death or serious harm” in a Facebook group.

The incident unfolded in the wake of violent unrest across England and Northern Ireland, sparked by online rumors that the suspect in a recent stabbing in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker. The riots led to increased tensions, particularly among those who wrongfully blame immigration for violent crimes.

Sweeney’s inflammatory comment was made in response to a photo showing both white and Asian individuals participating in a cleanup effort following the Southport disorder. She posted: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. Don’t protect the mosques. Blow the mosque up with the adults in it.”

The post quickly drew concern from other members of the Facebook group, which has around 5,100 members. One member reported feeling “uneasy” about the increasingly hostile comments being shared.

In court, Sweeney’s defense attorney, John Keane, emphasized that this was an isolated incident. He described Sweeney as leading a quiet and sheltered life, and noted that she has been the primary carer for her husband since 2015.

Despite this, the prosecution, led by Sarah Badrawy, argued that such comments cannot be taken lightly in the current climate. The police also made it clear that they would not tolerate this kind of behavior. “As this case demonstrates, there is nowhere to hide. If you choose to engage in this behavior … we will find you and you will be held responsible,” Cheshire police said in a statement.

This prosecution is part of a broader crackdown on hate speech and incitement as authorities work to quell the unrest that has gripped parts of the UK. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to deliver swift justice to prevent further violence, with police warning that arrests will likely continue for months.

Some sentences have been televised, a rarity in the UK, while police have churned out names and photos of those convicted, in a bid to make the criminal justice system’s response highly visible.

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