San Francisco: Twitter and Facebook have suspended Donald Trump’s accounts over social media posts accused of inflaming violence in the US Capitol.
The unprecedented sanctions came after the US President posted a video on social media to repeat his numerous false claims about fraud and other impropriety in the election that he lost to Joe Biden.
In the video of a speech outside the White House, Trump also urged supporters to march on the seat of government.
Following the inflammatory post, Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday, news agency AFP reported. In the ensuing rioting, one woman was shot dead by police.
In the aftermath of the violence, Facebook barred Trump from posting on the social network or its Instagram service for 24 hours, saying his messages were promoting violence.
“This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump’s video,” said a Facebook spokesperson.
“We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence,” the spokesperson added.
Twitter also announced a 24-hour ban on Trump’s account on the micro-blogging site.
PM Modi Expresses Distress
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to express distress over the violence in the US capital.
“Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests,” the PM tweeted.
Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021
