Through the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the EU supports a European network of fact-checkers, including TheJournal in Ireland. For a monthly roundup of European fact-checks, visit the main EDMO website. Here, we highlight recent fact-checks by TheJournal FactCheck team.
Published: 31 July – by Shane Raymond
A short video shared on social media claimed that multiple gardaí were deployed to stop an elderly man in a mobility scooter from shouting outside a mosque. But a longer version of the footage shows the officers were responding to a separate incident nearby and initially ignored the man. In the video, no attempt is made to restrict or arrest him.
Be careful of fake news about Ceuta as Spanish enclave faces migrant crisis
Published: 31 July – by Shane Raymond
Claims shared on social media falsely described the mass migrant crossings into Ceuta as an invasion of southern Spain caused by an open border or the release of Moroccan prisoners. In reality, while under Spanish rule, Ceuta is located on the north coast of Africa. Moreover, Spain has deployed military and security forces in response to the crossings, and there is no evidence that the migrants were prisoners released by the Moroccan king.