Social media rumour mongers accuse Chinese of looting in Osaka quake aftermath
Claims foreigners might attack locals or steal have been slammed by Japanese authorities
Rumours that spread on social media about foreigners carrying out robberies or terrorist attacks after the June 18 earthquake in Osaka have been widely condemned as racist fearmongering.
Four people died and 300 were admitted to hospitals after the magnitude 6.1 earthquake just before 8am on Monday.
Within hours, messages appeared on Twitter and other social media outlets warning that foreigners – Chinese and Koreans were singled out – were about to target shops or carry out attacks on members of the public.
“When a quake happens in the Kansai region, there is a strong possibility of Chinese and Koreans engaging in wrongdoing,” wrote one Twitter user. “It’s possible they will go after ATMs in banks and convenience stores.”
Another added, “Who are the Koreans poisoning water in the wells every time a quake happens?”