Facebook is refusing to take down a tribute page to former nightclub doorman Raoul Moat, despite calls by Prime Minister David Cameron to remove it.
Moat went on the rampage in Northumberland last week, shooting three people. The spree sparked a massive manhunt, which eventually resulted in Moat turning the gun on himself.
The 'R.I.P RAOUL MOAT YOU LEGEND!' Facebook page now has 36,000 fans. While the page has messages condemning Moat, there are also many tributes to him.
"It is absolutely clear that Raoul Moat was a callous murderer, full stop, end of story," Prime Minister David Cameron said in the House of Commons this week.
"I cannot understand any wave, however small, of public sympathy for this man."
Facebook says it will not remove the page as it encourages public debate.
"Raoul Moat has dominated public debate over the last week and it is clear that there are lots of different and opposing opinions, both about Moat himself and about the investigation which surrounds him," the social network said.
"Facebook is a place where people can express their views and discuss things in an open way as they can and do in many other places, and as such we sometimes find people discussing topics others may find distasteful. However, that is not a reason in itself to stop a debate from happening."
The Prime Minister has ordered government officials to contact Facebook and request the removal of the page.
See also: Facebook mobile users hit 150 million
Comments
datasman said: people have the freedom of speech in this countryNo they dont - at least not if you mean the UKWe have no written constitution and no right to free speech - thats a myth What we have is the right to freedom of expression and that comes courtesy of the European convention on human rights which was incorporated in the UK Human rights act in 1998The act says that we may express ourselves freely provided we dont break other laws in doing so and thats not the same thing as having freedom of speech You cant say anything that may incite racial or religious hatred for instance
seeyouentee said: Gotta love the people who know all the facts from the mainstream media Wouldnt you love to know the real story behind this
John said: What happened to values So there are sad or deranged people who think it is cool to maim and murder people distort their world view by using steroids and other drugs abuse their kids and blame something called authority for failing to put them straight this does not excuse responsible media incl Facebook and tabloid journalists from allowing unfettered expression of vile sympathy and validation Balanced remembrance of a disturbed man is one thing celebration of his vile acts is another Well done the page originator for taking it down when it got all out of hand Boo to Facebook
Nick said: 36000 fans - just shows how juvenile Facebook can be
Bert said: Disgusting Tributes to a murderer who also wasted six hours of police time before he decided to kill himself - at least the tax payer wont have to fund any prison sentance amp theres no chance of him re-offending
Simon said: Sorry PM but people have the freedom of speech in this country and you have to let the idiots speak as well Though I do wonder how quickly one of the 36000 fans will dial 999 if they spot a psychotic gunman bearing down on them
downedpilot said: facebook is it a free country or not
No Moat without fire said: For once Im with Facebook here A mentally ill man hounded by the media because they wanted a sensationalist ending to the story Yes he did something awful but absolutrly think people are entitled to express their outrage at police and security services ensuring Moat ended up as a victim too