A LABOUR MSP has been accused of using "fake" screenshots to claim that he was blocked on social media by a Scottish Government minister.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth posted a tweet that stated "you have been blocked by Patrick Harvie".
He added that the blocking was a "badge of honour".
But the Scottish Greens co-leader later replied: "I do block people who are abusive. But I haven't blocked Colin, and have no idea why he would say so."
I do block people who are abusive. But I haven't blocked Colin, and have no idea why he would say so. https://t.co/TAKvaaFQ08
— Patrick Harvie 🇪🇺🌈 (@patrickharvie) October 2, 2021
Several people have pointed out the screenshot appears to look very different from usual screenshots of people being blocked on Twitter.
Instead of Harvie's profile and picture at the top, the photo shared by Smyth appears to show himself at the top left.
Since the block has been faked, this poor MSP has to return his "badge of honour". Let's hope for the sake of his self esteem that he's got a 10m swimming badge to hang on his office wall! #ThoughtsAndPrayers #indyref2 https://t.co/L8Da5u3xyV
— Paul Middleton (@ProfPMiddleton) October 2, 2021
Professor Paul Middleton replied to Smyth's post, saying: "Since the block has been faked, this poor MSP has to return his 'badge of honour'.
"Let's hope for the sake of his self esteem that he's got a 10m swimming badge to hang on his office wall! #ThoughtsAndPrayers #indyref2"
Isn’t it a bit weird how different your screenshot looks from everyone else’s? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KsZldmSaer
— Carolynn Scrimgeour (@carolynnscrim) October 2, 2021
Carolynn Scrimgeour replied to Smyth's post: "Isn’t it a bit weird how different your screenshot looks from everyone else’s?"
Smyth has been an MSP since 2016 and is Scottish Labour's shadow cabinet minister for economic development and rural affairs.
Harvie entered the Scottish Government earlier this year after his Green party reached a co-operation deal with the SNP.
He is now Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights.
Smyth has been contacted for comment.
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