Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, walked free from HMP Woodhill in Buckinghamshire after a judge reduced his 18-month sentence for contempt of court by four months. Robinson, known for his controversial far-right views, thanked Elon Musk for his support during a livestream. He stated, "I have to say a thank you to Elon Musk, because without X, if we didn't have X, everyone would just think I lied," highlighting the role social media plays in his narrative, according to Newsweek and India Times.
Judge Jeremy Johnson noted a "change in attitude" in Robinson’s behavior since his sentencing. Despite showing no remorse, he was granted early release due to his commitment to complying with the court's injunction, which had been violated multiple times. His breaches included promoting a film titled "Silenced" that contained defamatory allegations about the Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi, leading to significant consequences for the teenager, according to India Times and Al Jazeera.
Following his release, Robinson appeared publicly, stating that he had removed much of the offending content and would adhere to the injunction going forward. However, he remains a polarizing figure due to his history of inflammatory rhetoric and previous convictions, including those related to public order offenses. This release has sparked renewed debates about the limits of free speech in the UK, as noted by India Times and Dawn.
Robinson's release is not without controversy, as he has faced backlash and accusations of promoting division within society. His inflammatory actions and subsequent legal battles have led to a significant presence in discussions surrounding freedom of expression and censorship in modern Britain, according to Al Jazeera and India Times.