Far-right figure Tommy Robinson was acquitted on Tuesday of violating British counterterrorism laws by declining to provide police with his phone’s passcode during a border stop in July 2024. Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a prominent anti-immigration activist in the UK and a key figure for certain British nationalist groups.
The incident occurred when Robinson was halted by police at the Channel Tunnel train terminal in southeast England. Prosecutors in a recent trial at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court argued that the police officer grew suspicious due to Robinson’s behavior, driving a high-value vehicle (a friend’s silver Bentley), and his spontaneous trip to Benidorm, Spain, with a ticket bought on the same day.
Following the stop, officers seized Robinson’s phone and requested the passcode to unlock it. Robinson, claiming to be a journalist and citing privileged content on the device, refused to comply. Judge Sam Goozee, in delivering the verdict, indicated that the police’s actions seemed politically motivated, rendering the stop unlawful.
Post-acquittal, Robinson expressed gratitude towards Elon Musk for financing his legal defense. Musk, known for reposting Robinson’s content and virtually participating in a London rally organized by Robinson with a massive turnout, has been a supporter of his cause.
Robinson maintains that he was unfairly targeted by authorities for exposing misconduct, although critics portray him as a far-right agitator with a history of criminal convictions. In response to the court ruling, Robinson emphasized that he believes he was singled out due to his political beliefs and journalistic activities.
[Source: CBC News]
