To think that this is not ok?

[angularmerkel]

I have just seen a live stream on my fb feed of a man being 'stung' by a 'paedophile hunting' team. It was not far from me (next town along) and people were all commenting along the lines of 'bang to rights', 'hang him', 'paedo' and similar and much worse.

The thing is this was a live stream - this guy's wife was apparently away on a hen weekend, so it's not out of the realms of probability that she could have been viewing this incident live. Not to mention other friends, family members and people who may have children who know this guy and who would, understandably, be upset and horrified to be seeing this unfold.

AIBU to think that it's not ok for 'paedophile stings' like this to be shown on social media? However horrible the alleged crime might be they should have the normal rights anybody has in law (remain silent, innocent until proven guilty etc) but moreover their friends and family shouldn't find out what has happened via a fb feed?

not sure if that is correct though, never seen an article on it, just heard people saying it

Whilst I see your point and respect it, I care more for the kids who are vulnerable than his family.

No you don’t. Nobody who believes in live streaming vigilante justice on social media is primarily concerned with kids. You’re concerned with the shock and drama and satisfaction of a public tarring and feathering.

There is a reason investigations into paedophilia are conducted very carefully and sensitively, and it’s to protect the wellbeing of abused children who are likely traumatised and untrusting of adults. It’s also incredibly easy to compromise the possibility of conviction by barging in with no authority, giving an abuser notice, and potentially interfering in a crime scene. I

This kind of showboating pseudo-heroism isn’t about protecting kids. If that was the primary concern, the adults who supposedly identify paedophiles would take their evidence to the police and let them deal with it properly and in a way which doesn’t compromise the potential for conviction. But they don’t do that, because for them the glory and excitement is more important.

The rational adult side of me strongly disagrees. The risk of mistaken identity, revenge, backlash towards the "accused" family and children etc is too high.

But there is one tiny part of me (maybe the kid I used to be) that's cheering them on. The part of me that has had awful things done to it. That has seen mass scales coverups and shoulder shrugging and pretending it's not happening. That was not believed and shamed and laughed at. That was made to feel like a slut because grown men targeted her. That knows how people will turn a blind eye and hope for the best if it benefits them. That every time she wanted justice shame and reputation was brought as an argument, but never the man's shame and reputation. That found out that there were rumours known to her parents but she was still sent to that man. And after she spoke out more parents still sent their daughters there.

That part of me thinks fuck it, bring the fuckers down.