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Charity Commission condemns thuggery and intimidation directed at RNLI volunteers
Overview
The chair of the Charity Commission, Dame Julia Unwin, has strongly condemned the abuse, threats, and intimidation directed at RNLI volunteers following their involvement in rescuing migrants. Volunteers have faced online abuse, had their personal details shared, and experienced threats over radio communications during rescue operations, prompting police investigations and concern from charity officials.
Key points
- Dame Julia Unwin, chair of the Charity Commission, condemned criminal and para-criminal abuse against RNLI volunteers at the commission's annual public meeting.
- RNLI volunteers have faced protests, threats, and online abuse after helping bring migrants ashore in Portsmouth and Gosport.
- Police are investigating suspicious and threatening messages broadcast over VHF radio during a rescue operation.
- Some crew members have had their names and photos shared on social media and been falsely accused of treason.
- The RNLI and independent rescue services have called the threats completely unacceptable.