The man from Sydney who was mistakenly accused as the Bondi Junction killer is seeking justice by urging the police to consider legal action against those who falsely linked him to the crime on social media.
Ben Cohen, a university student, found himself wrongly identified on social platforms and even on Seven’s Weekend Sunrise show before the real culprit, Joel Cauchi, was officially named by the authorities.
Cohen is pushing for charges related to menacing behavior, harassment, defamation, and incitement of violence based on racial grounds to be brought against those responsible for spreading false information about him.
After reaching a settlement with Seven, Cohen emphasized the need for accountability not just from media outlets but also from social media platforms and users who propagate harmful content.
The circulation of Cohen’s name online, fueled by verified accounts with large followings and platforms like Telegram, led to a dangerous spread of misinformation, inciting hatred and prejudice.
The irresponsible actions of individuals on social media, including sharing Cohen’s personal information without verification, have raised serious concerns about the impact of such behavior on community safety.
Legal experts suggest that while criminal defamation charges are rare, the conduct of those involved in falsely accusing Cohen may warrant other criminal charges.
The ordeal faced by Cohen serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation and the need for accountability in the digital age.
It is crucial for both individuals and platforms to exercise responsibility and integrity in sharing information to prevent such harmful incidents from occurring in the future.
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Link from www.theguardian.com