A right-wing conspiracy magazine that claims to be a 'factual and honest' newspaper has left locals angry after it was delivered to their homes again.
One resident of the capital took to Twitter to ask Police Scotland if she could report a hate crime after it landed dropped through her letterbox, saying: "hi there, is there anything that can be done about far right propaganda being posted thru letterboxes? Can I report as a hate crime? #Edinburgh"
Published in the US and associated with the Falun Gong new religious movement, the newspaper has long been associated with conspiracy theories and its opposition to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In April, concerned politicians criticised the paper for peddling "cranky conspiracy theories" after a 32 page publication was sent to Edinburgh residents blaming the coronavirus crisis on China and the CCP.
And the latest edition has a similar focus on China's ruling political party, with an image posted to Twitter showing several articles about China under a "special report" banner.
The main story, headlined "Beijing's influence in Britain among the worst, author says", the report claims the CCP created 'extensive' influence campaigns throughout the US, Europe and Canada.
A second article echoes the April magazine which said people should call coronavirus the "CCP virus", saying the pandemic was "wrought by the Chinese Communist Party".
In recent years, media commentators have noted the paper has taken editorial positions supportive of outgoing US President Donald Trump, who has also called coronavirus the "China virus".
An NBC News investigation from last year found that the outlet spent more than $1.5 million on pro-Trump advertisements over a six month period, despite previously having little involvement in US politics, according to the network.
Speaking after residents in Edinburgh received the Epoch Times in April, Lothians MSP Neil Findlay said: “The last thing we need is cranky conspiracy theories and misinformation. We need to know who is behind this.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said: “No-one should be fooled by this glossy magazine, it is nothing more than dangerous propaganda from a fringe extremist group."
Edinburgh Live has contacted the local resident and Police Scotland for comment.
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