The United Nations’ special rapporteur on violence against women and girls has welcomed moves to extradite social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate to Britain.
The brothers, particularly Andrew Tate, are among the most prominent figures in the so-called “manosphere,” a network of online communities centred on traditional masculinity, anti-feminism and self-improvement.
The charges against them include rape, sexual assault, sex trafficking, assault and crimes involving indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.
UN expert calls for accountability
Tate and his brother Tristan, who hold United States and British citizenships, are currently being held in the US while Britain attempts to extradite them to answer fresh accusations.
UN special rapporteur Reem Alsalem applauded the move, saying that no one should be above the law, regardless of status, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
“After years of law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities ignoring and dismissing the testimonies and experiences of women who came forward with credible allegations against the Tate brothers, these recent proceedings offer renewed hope that justice may finally be achieved through effective international co-operation,” Alsalem said in a report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).
“Given in particular the scale of the alleged offences, and the Tate brothers’ global influence in promoting misogyny and harmful models of masculinity, it is urgent and imperative that they face justice.”
Although appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, special rapporteurs are experts who serve in an independent capacity and do not represent the official views of the United Nations.
READ MORE: Why are young adults Britain’s loneliest generation? And what can be done?
UK, US, Romania urged to uphold victims’ rights
Britain’s extradition request comes as the Tate brothers also face separate allegations in Romania, including human trafficking, money laundering, trafficking of minors and sexual intercourse with a minor.
As criminal proceedings span three countries, Alsalem reminded the governments of the US, the UK and Romania of their obligation to uphold the rights, dignity and privacy of victims without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or revictimisation.
She also called for them to ensure the Tate brothers are brought to justice.
“All too often, perpetrators of violence against women exploit delays, fragmented jurisdictional responses and their wealth, power or influential public profile to evade accountability,” the special rapporteur said.
Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Miami on July 18 following Britain’s extradition request.
Andrew Tate faces 42 charges from British prosecutors, while Tristan faces 17, bringing the total to 59.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Unsealed court documents reveal AI research company Anthropic’s destructive plans
Defence response
Tate’s defence, meanwhile, called the arrest in the US a “politically motivated” move.
They are also seeking access to the documents British authorities used in support of the extradition request.
“They don’t have anything but the accusations,” attorney Joseph McBride said in a report by The Guardian.
“It’s just their word against our word right now.”
The brothers, both former professional kickboxers, have built a social media empire amassing millions of followers by promoting male dominance, misogyny and divisive views.
They have repeatedly defended their violent and misogynistic remarks, arguing that they were taken out of context or made in jest.
Despite being avid supporters of US President Donald Trump, the White House said that the president would not intervene on their behalf.
READ NEXT: Author Jennette McCurdy announces third book ‘The Examined Year’
Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui 
Newsjustnews writers 
Levi Mora