Elon Musk, the billionaire technology entrepreneur, has recently made headlines by calling for the release of Tommy Robinson, a notorious British far-right activist currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court. In a series of fervent posts on his social media platform, Musk has claimed that Robinson is in "solitary confinement prison for telling the truth" and should be freed.

Robinson, who was born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is known for founding the far-right English Defence League and has been involved in significant controversies, including a long-running libel case involving a Syrian refugee. Musk's invocation of Robinson's case is a continuation of his recent engagement with UK political matters, particularly targeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In his posts, Musk criticized Starmer's past as the head of the Crown Prosecution Service during a decade marked by severe grooming scandals in various English towns and cities, notably in Rochdale and Rotherham. Musk highlighted that serious crimes such as rape require the CPS's approval, questioning Starmer's oversight during that time. "Who was the head of the CPS when rape gangs were allowed to exploit young girls without facing justice?" Musk tweeted, directly attributing the failures to Starmer's leadership from 2008 to 2013.

While Musk’s statements about Robinson have gained traction within far-right circles—including endorsement from Dutch politician Geert Wilders—they have also sparked controversy within broader societal discussions on race and justice. Robinson, characterized as a one-time football hooligan, has amassed a significant following through his vigorous anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

This latest controversy comes shortly after Musk drew scrutiny for endorsing Germany's far-right AfD party, claiming that they are the only force capable of "saving" Germany in light of upcoming elections. His political affiliations and endorsements have raised concerns about his influence in international political landscapes, including the UK, where he has also supported figures such as Nigel Farage and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

As Musk continues to navigate his public persona intertwined with political statements, the implications of his comments regarding Robinson and Starmer remain a focal point of debate among observers of UK politics. Supporters of Musk's views have applauded his outspokenness, while critics warn of the potential normalization of extreme right-wing ideologies.

For more information, read the full articles on Le Monde and Al Jazeera.