The arrest of Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow Airport this week has now ignited fierce debate in Britain over free speech, with critics warning that the country is veering into authoritarian territory.
Linehan, best known as co-creator of the hit series Father Ted, said he was taken into custody by five armed officers after returning from the United States. In a Substack post, he described being questioned about several social media posts he had written earlier this year regarding transgender issues.
“When it comes to free speech, Britain’s turning into North Korea,” broadcaster Piers Morgan wrote on X, calling Linehan’s arrest “absolutely ridiculous.”
Linehan recounted his initial disbelief when officers approached him. “When I first saw the cops, I actually laughed. I couldn’t help myself. ‘Don’t tell me! You’ve been sent by trans activists.’ The officers gave no reaction and this was the theme throughout most of the day,” he wrote.
Following his arrest, Linehan said he was taken to a hospital after his blood pressure was checked. Under the conditions of his bail, he is barred from using Twitter, now known as X.
According to Linehan, the case centers on three posts he made in April. One of them argued that if a “trans-identified male” entered a “female-only space,” he was committing “a violent, abusive act.” Linehan went on to urge women to take action: “Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.”
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police did not name Linehan but confirmed a man had been taken into custody “on suspicion of inciting violence.”
The arrest has fueled criticism from writers and public figures who argue that policing controversial opinions online threatens the very foundation of open discourse in a democratic society.
“Free expression means nothing if unpopular or politically incorrect views are criminalized,” Morgan said, echoing concerns voiced by others on both sides of the Atlantic.
Author J.K. Rowling, who has also faced backlash for her views on transgender issues, reacted sharply to the news. “What the f*ck has the UK become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable,” she posted on X.
Linehan has long said his outspoken stance has carried personal and professional costs. His career opportunities dried up, he has claimed, and his marriage eventually ended. Now, with a criminal case pending, those consequences have escalated.
Linehan is scheduled to appear in court soon after entering a plea of not guilty to charges that he harassed Sophia Brooks, a transgender activist, on social media.
For many conservatives, the case represents a disturbing turn in Britain’s handling of speech deemed offensive by progressive activists.
Where once liberal democracies prided themselves on tolerating dissenting views, critics say governments are now increasingly using police power to enforce ideological conformity.
As Morgan put it bluntly: “This is absolutely ridiculous.”
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