How a lawsuit against Tommy Robinson could open up a new front in the battle against the far right
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Robinson rides a wave of resurgent far right figures and movements, funded from overseas – as well as by small microtransactions from supporters; set piece events like Glasgow are designed to drive funding. In the wake of the incident, Robinson travelled north and interviewed the alleged bully on Facebook livestream, making and repeating several statements about “Jamal”. Not only that, they will explore whether social media companies such as Facebook are liable for their role in spreading “Tommy’s” potentially defamatory statements. Much of “Tommy’s” screen time last year came from his claims that his “freedom of speech” had been curtailed – even crushed – by the UK government, after he was prevented from reporting on grooming trials.
History of this topic
Tommy Robinson stokes far-right riots on social media from outside UK
The Independent
Elon Musk engages with Tommy Robinson as social media warned over misinformation
The Independent
Tommy Robinson loses libel case brought by Syrian schoolboy
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Tommy Robinson ‘threatened Independent journalist in bid to prevent publication of story’
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Tommy Robinson appears in High Court over ‘very serious allegations’ about Syrian child bullied in viral video
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Tommy Robinson declares being jailed would be a ‘win’ for his cause as he appeals for donations
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Tommy Robinson supporters hurl beer cans at journalists as tensions flare over judge’s decision
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Tommy Robinson sued for £100,000 damages by Syrian refugee boy over Huddersfield comments
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Tommy Robinson trial: Anti-Islam activist tells court police targeted him 'because of my beliefs'
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Tommy Robinson: Police called after ranting anti-Islam activist bangs on door of historian who helped fund lawsuit against him
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Tommy Robinson served with legal letter over 'defamation' of attacked Syrian refugee
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Tommy Robinson permanently banned by Facebook and Instagram
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Tommy Robinson banned by Facebook
CNN
Syrian refugee attack: Boy's family crowdfunding to sue Tommy Robinson and Facebook over 'defamation'
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Syrian refugee: Far right activist Tommy Robinson removes videos after legal threat
CNN
Tommy Robinson supporters hurl abuse at woman then rip away placard listing his previous crimes
The Independent
Tommy Robinson appeal: Police bracing for potential disorder as appeal judges decide whether to free far-right leader
The Independent
Tommy Robinson's imprisonment being used by far right to reorganise and create new 'racist street movement', MPs warn
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