Far-right figure Tommy Robinson was acquitted on Tuesday of violating British counterterrorism laws for refusing to provide 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 Britain, championing nationalist causes. The incident occurred when he was halted by police at the Channel Tunnel train terminal in southeast England.
During the trial, prosecutors at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court claimed that Robinson’s behavior, driving a high-end vehicle, and last-minute travel plans to Benidorm, Spain, raised suspicions among officers.
When asked to unlock his phone, Robinson, citing journalistic privileges, declined, leading to his phone’s seizure. Judge Sam Goozee later ruled that the police had unlawfully detained Robinson due to his political beliefs.
Following the verdict, Robinson expressed gratitude to billionaire Elon Musk, alleging that Musk had supported his legal defense. Musk has shown public support for Robinson by reposting his content and virtually participating in a London rally organized by Robinson.
Robinson maintains that he was targeted by authorities for exposing misconduct, though critics portray him as a far-right troublemaker with a history of criminal convictions. He welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that he was singled out for his political views and denouncing the government’s actions against him as an attack on press freedom.