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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Conspiracy Theories & Claims

As well as assassinating Whitty, Patrick Ruane wanted to execute politicians and those who manufactured and administered vaccines

An anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist who encouraged violence against Professor Sir Chris Whitty on social media has been found guilty of terrorism offences.

Patrick Ruane, from Paddington, west London, belonged to groups on Telegram that spread conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines being designed for population control.

In a series of posts in 2021, the 55-year-old suggested "whacking" the chief medical adviser and said it was a "shame" a creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine had not been assassinated.

A jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of two charges of encouraging terrorism - but cleared him of another offence.

During a two-week trial, the prosecution said that Ruane believed conspiracy theories about a "hidden agenda" in the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. While some of his expletive-laden posts - made in Telegram groups with thousands of users - expressed general anger, some advocated violence against specific individuals.

When it was announced that that children would be receiving the Covid-19 vaccination, Ruane said of those who manufactured and administered vaccines that he was "all for hunting them down" and "executing them where they stand".

Replying to a post about Sir Chris, he suggested that "all it would take is... whacking [the] target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain)".

This, he claimed, "would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life".

In response to the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine getting a standing ovation at Wimbledon, Ruane posted that it was "a shame there was not a sharp shooter" to take them out.

The court also heard Ruane referred to executing politicians. ...

The Crown Prosecution Service's counter-terrorism chief, Bethan David, described Ruane as "a dangerous man who was prolific in encouraging violence because of his firmly held beliefs in a conspiracy theory. He posed a credible threat to the peace and safety of the public, and it is only right that he has been found guilty today."

Gareth Rees, from the Met Police’s counter-terrorism command, said Ruane was not partaking in "idle chit-chat online", but "encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others [and] suggesting who to target".

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3lln304vo
 
As well as assassinating Whitty, Patrick Ruane wanted to execute politicians and those who manufactured and administered vaccines

An anti-vaccination conspiracy theorist who encouraged violence against Professor Sir Chris Whitty on social media has been found guilty of terrorism offences.

Patrick Ruane, from Paddington, west London, belonged to groups on Telegram that spread conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines being designed for population control.

In a series of posts in 2021, the 55-year-old suggested "whacking" the chief medical adviser and said it was a "shame" a creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine had not been assassinated.

A jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of two charges of encouraging terrorism - but cleared him of another offence.

During a two-week trial, the prosecution said that Ruane believed conspiracy theories about a "hidden agenda" in the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. While some of his expletive-laden posts - made in Telegram groups with thousands of users - expressed general anger, some advocated violence against specific individuals.

When it was announced that that children would be receiving the Covid-19 vaccination, Ruane said of those who manufactured and administered vaccines that he was "all for hunting them down" and "executing them where they stand".

Replying to a post about Sir Chris, he suggested that "all it would take is... whacking [the] target over the back of head with a rounders bat but a mace (a piece of metal ball and chain)".

This, he claimed, "would turn said target into a vegetable for the rest of its life".

In response to the creator of the AstraZeneca vaccine getting a standing ovation at Wimbledon, Ruane posted that it was "a shame there was not a sharp shooter" to take them out.

The court also heard Ruane referred to executing politicians. ...

The Crown Prosecution Service's counter-terrorism chief, Bethan David, described Ruane as "a dangerous man who was prolific in encouraging violence because of his firmly held beliefs in a conspiracy theory. He posed a credible threat to the peace and safety of the public, and it is only right that he has been found guilty today."

Gareth Rees, from the Met Police’s counter-terrorism command, said Ruane was not partaking in "idle chit-chat online", but "encouraging people to seriously injure or kill others [and] suggesting who to target".

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3lln304vo
Who was that 'legend in his own mind' in the news who learned of covid restrictions then decided the next logical step should be to slash ambulance tyres?. I've always known that some people are stupid but it took this pandemic to make me drastically lower my expectations. I'm glad the authorities are finally catching up with and prosecuting these modern day 'pied pipers'.
 
Who was that 'legend in his own mind' in the news who learned of covid restrictions then decided the next logical step should be to slash ambulance tyres?. I've always known that some people are stupid but it took this pandemic to make me drastically lower my expectations. I'm glad the authorities are finally catching up with and prosecuting these modern day 'pied pipers'.
They go down a rabbit hole they are not mentally equipped to handle, they are the old fashioned zealots
 
For me as a layman it's difficult to see if this is valid or too dangerous research. Some commenters say it might cause a new pandemic, but they sound conspiratorial:

https://x.com/hkakeya/status/1852464516493455650?t=UxjFMNxrS5ZxdyTwxH7RLA&s=19

Zengli Shi using smallpox-like and rabies-like clones with coronavirus inserts to manipulate coronavirus receptors, in conjunction with the University of Washington.

Based on this research, Shi Zheng-Li is ready to cause another pandemic to claim millions of lives. This work is in collaboration with US scientists again. The new US administration should take immediate measures to stop this maddness.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08121-5
 
For me as a layman it's difficult to see if this is valid or too dangerous research. Some commenters say it might cause a new pandemic, but they sound conspiratorial:

https://x.com/hkakeya/status/1852464516493455650?t=UxjFMNxrS5ZxdyTwxH7RLA&s=19

Zengli Shi using smallpox-like and rabies-like clones with coronavirus inserts to manipulate coronavirus receptors, in conjunction with the University of Washington.

Based on this research, Shi Zheng-Li is ready to cause another pandemic to claim millions of lives. This work is in collaboration with US scientists again. The new US administration should take immediate measures to stop this maddness.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08121-5
First thing that gets my spidey senses tingling is, the comment is from twatter.

Next thing that brings doubt to my mind about this being a critical review to the said research is there is no information about the research. Without real information as to what the research is and how it's conducted, it is not giving you anything to critically assess.

Which, then says to me that the person making the comments about the research is setting up a new conspiracy theory.

The "nature.com" link appears to have the information regarding the study, but you need to pay for a subscription.
 
For me as a layman it's difficult to see if this is valid or too dangerous research. Some commenters say it might cause a new pandemic, but they sound conspiratorial:

https://x.com/hkakeya/status/1852464516493455650?t=UxjFMNxrS5ZxdyTwxH7RLA&s=19

Zengli Shi using smallpox-like and rabies-like clones with coronavirus inserts to manipulate coronavirus receptors, in conjunction with the University of Washington.

Based on this research, Shi Zheng-Li is ready to cause another pandemic to claim millions of lives. This work is in collaboration with US scientists again. The new US administration should take immediate measures to stop this maddness.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08121-5
I tend to keep an open mind on these things. Just because there's a lack of detailed info doesn't mean it's just a conspiracy theory and neither does it mean it's true. There's simply not enough to go on (for me) to decide one way or the other.

I think too often people in general jump on the 'it's a conspiracy theory' without thinking about why they think that and often automatically.

I remember reading about the Wuhan Lab many years ago and how they were developing a virus to cause a pandemic. At the time it seemed so far fetched but now I'm not so sure. Equally I've come across other statements or articles that have come to nothing.
 
I tend to keep an open mind on these things. Just because there's a lack of detailed info doesn't mean it's just a conspiracy theory and neither does it mean it's true. There's simply not enough to go on (for me) to decide one way or the other.

I think too often people in general jump on the 'it's a conspiracy theory' without thinking about why they think that and often automatically.

I remember reading about the Wuhan Lab many years ago and how they were developing a virus to cause a pandemic. At the time it seemed so far fetched but now I'm not so sure. Equally I've come across other statements or articles that have come to nothing.
this is why I look at "is it true" as the test of validity. labeling it a "conspiracy theory" means nothing.
 
This looks interesting; somewhat wider scope than covid but couldn't see anywhere else to put it.

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/A-History-of-Vaccines-and-Anti-Vaxxers-Hardback/p/51634

53225.jpg
 
In his opinion, the right one. Other readers may differ. That’s the nature of books. Erm. Why is it important to select a book that may contravene or reflect your expected viewpoint in the first place?
 
In his opinion, the right one. Other readers may differ. That’s the nature of books. Erm. Why is it important to select a book that may contravene or reflect your expected viewpoint in the first place?
From the blurb and his former job I'd guess pro, although the single review does indicate a degree of balance. Are there any books, especially on controversial issues that are truly objective?
Actually, what I was getting at was... questioning if the author was backed by "Big Pharma". The summary... reads to me like propaganda. Like the sort of thing a big business would publish as a PR stunt.
 
Actually, what I was getting at was... questioning if the author was backed by "Big Pharma". The summary... reads to me like propaganda. Like the sort of thing a big business would publish as a PR stunt.
I see what you mean. Could be I suppose but why include the polio vaccine that gave people polio? Though the rest of the historical stuff could be about how misguided the anti vaxers were? Dammit I may have to read it now and I was only posting about it in case anyone was interested!
 
Actually, what I was getting at was... questioning if the author was backed by "Big Pharma". The summary... reads to me like propaganda. Like the sort of thing a big business would publish as a PR stunt.
Just as a bit of an aside, the summaries are not usually written by the author and sometimes say nothing about what the book actually is.
 
I see what you mean. Could be I suppose but why include the polio vaccine that gave people polio? Though the rest of the historical stuff could be about how misguided the anti vaxers were? Dammit I may have to read it now and I was only posting about it in case anyone was interested!
yeah, all i know is what i saw on that page.
Just as a bit of an aside, the summaries are not usually written by the author and sometimes say nothing about what the book actually is.
Yeah... that... doesn't help one bit. that makes it feel even more like corpo product if a PR rep wrote the description of the book.
 
yeah, all i know is what i saw on that page.

Yeah... that... doesn't help one bit. that makes it feel even more like corpo product if a PR rep wrote the description of the book.
As with all things like this, follow the money. That tells more truths than any book or the mass media.
 
it happens with all books though...
This is true and causes me to grind my teeth as yet another blurb goes up for one of mine that makes it sound straight from the Factory of Twee. For the next one I managed to intervene before my editor put up a blurb that gave away THE ENTIRE END OF THE BOOK.
 
yeah, all i know is what i saw on that page.

Yeah... that... doesn't help one bit. that makes it feel even more like corpo product if a PR rep wrote the description of the book.
it happens with all books though...
As with all things like this, follow the money. That tells more truths than any book or the mass media.
Same problem with any subject. The only approach is to read views from all sides, check them with source material if possible and come to your own decision.
There's plenty of money to be made printing crap as well though, possibly more than in printing the truth. I refer my learned colleagues to most of our daily papers and to many books on subjects discussed in this very forum!
 
Stunning revelations from Australia regarding a link between Covid and turbo cancers:
Frightening. It could be the end of the human race, even.

Edit: My Mum has inexplicably developed nasal cancer. If this is because of all the jabs she's had, I will make it my life's mission to hold certain people to account for it.
 
Stunning revelations from Australia regarding a link between Covid and turbo cancers:
Frightening. It could be the end of the human race, even.

Edit: My Mum has inexplicably developed nasal cancer. If this is because of all the jabs she's had, I will make it my life's mission to hold certain people to account for it.
Something has caused the explosion in cancer rates and the 'turbo cancers'.
 
Snopes is incorruptible?
I've used them in the past, but I do wonder who watches the watchers...
I never stated anything to suggest that. I only looked up the phrase.

Your question of corruptibility can be applied to any source, including your linked video.

The phrase itself is unusual.
 
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