Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the English Defence League (EDL), is once again asking his supporters for financial help. Currently, Robinson is staying in Norway, using his Irish passport to travel around Europe. He says he needs the money to cover his growing legal costs.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is facing new legal challenges. Recently, the UK’s Attorney General’s Office served him with a contempt of court notice. This notice claims that Robinson violated a High Court order from 2021. The court order prevented him from repeating false statements about a Syrian refugee, Jamal Hijazi, who successfully sued him for libel.
Robinson announced the legal action on his Twitter (X) account, which was reinstated earlier this year. He claims he has no choice but to ask for financial support to fight the case.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Robinson breached the order in June and July of this year by making further defamatory statements. A spokesperson said, “Stephen Yaxley-Lennon was served via his personal X account and email in August. The contempt application will be heard in the High Court on 28 October 2024.”
Robinson’s legal troubles date back to 2021, when he was ordered to pay £100,000 in damages to Hijazi. Despite this, he continues to insist he cannot afford to pay. Robinson has described his current legal situation as part of a broader campaign against free speech.
The upcoming court hearing could result in further penalties for Robinson, including a possible prison sentence. Meanwhile, he remains in Norway, appealing to his supporters for donations to keep his legal fight going.
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