Tommy Robinson sentenced for defying court order

Tommy Robinson sentenced for defying court order
Credit: Elizabeth Cook/PA

London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Tommy Robinson has been imprisoned for 18 months for replicating libelous assertions against Syrian refugees.

Tommy Robinson has been jailed for 18 months for contempt of court after he frequently flouted a High Court order with wrong allegations against a teenage Syrian refugee. The far-right activist failed a High Court battle in 2021 after he made defamatory allegations against a Syrian refugee, Jamal Hijazi, calling the 15-year-old fierce and a “bully”.

How did Robinson breach the high court order?

Mr Justice Nicklin announced an order prohibiting Robinson – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – from repeating the allegations. Woolwich crown court heard he has perpetrated ten breaches of the order in 2023 and 2024, in his documentary ‘Silenced’ and at a string of interviews and demonstrations.

What role did Robinson’s documentary play in the charges?

He confessed to two Contempt of Court charges wrapping that series of breaches of the High Court injunction. These include circulating the film ‘Silenced’ at a protest in Trafalgar Square in July, livestreaming a video in Denmark which was thereafter posted on YouTube, and a series of online interviews including with Jordan Peterson.

What other charges does Robinson face under the terrorism act?

Yaxley-Lennon has been in detention after he handed himself into the police in Folkestone. He has been separately indicted for failing to provide his mobile phone access code to police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and was technically placed free on bail until a court hearing for that criminal charge next month.

On 26 Oct 2024, thousands of his followers gathered in central London for a demonstration which the political activist missed after he was remanded. Protestors carried placards reading “Two-tier Keir fuelled the riots” and chimed “We want Tommy out” as they headed from Victoria station to Parliament Square. 

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.