A man has been arrested over a series of “offensive” Facebook posts about refugees arriving on a Scottish island.
Police Scotland said the suspect, from the Inverclyde area, was arrested following reports of a “series of alleged offensive posts” about Syrian families living on the Isle of Bute.
“A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with alleged offences under the Communications Act,” a spokesperson added. “A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
She said legal restrictions prevented her from confirming what was written in the posts.
Inspector Ewan Wilson, from Dunoon police office, told the Guardian that the arrest demonstrated that such abuse will not be tolerated as Scotland continues to welcome hundreds of refugees.
“I hope that the arrest of this individual sends a clear message that Police Scotland will not tolerate any form of activity which could incite hatred and provoke offensive comments on social media,” he said.
Around a dozen Syrian families moved to the Isle of Bute late last year as part of the Government’s scheme to resettle asylum seekers from camps in the Middle East.
Local people have reported heart-warming tales of generosity and support but some criticised the use of Bute, which has few jobs and a shrinking population, as a destination.
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