Far-right activist, Tommy Robinson, has been arrested under anti-terror laws, as reported by his supporters, after a protest at which a film was allegedly screened in contempt of court.
Robinson’s detention was made public through a post on his verified X account, following a march led by him and a counter-protest in central London on Saturday, which attracted thousands of people. The protest was marked by a significant police presence, ensuring that the event remained peaceful despite the large turnout.
A complaint was later filed over a film that was allegedly shown to the crowd in breach of a High Court order, prompting the police to initiate further inquiries. The details of the film and the specific court order it violated were not immediately disclosed, but the incident has raised significant legal questions.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, also posted a one hour and 45-minute film on X on Saturday afternoon, in which he claimed that he had previously avoided publishing the video because he was “scared”. The content of this film is believed to be central to the complaint and subsequent police action.
In a post on his X account on Sunday, Robinson’s team stated: “We can confirm that Tommy Robinson has been detained by police using powers afforded to them under the Terrorism Act 2000. That’s right, you read that correctly, Tommy is being held by police using counter terrorism legislation. We will update you as and when we can.”
The Metropolitan Police later issued a statement clarifying that there was “no Met involvement” in the context of Tommy Robinson’s arrest, suggesting that another branch of law enforcement was responsible for his detention.
The arrest has sparked a significant response on social media, with Robinson’s supporters and critics alike expressing their views. The situation continues to evolve, with further details expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Robinson’s lawyer confirmed the arrest on X on Saturday evening, stating, “Tommy Robinson has been arrested and detained under the Terrorism Act. We are seeking to understand the full circumstances of his detention and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”
