UK activist Tommy Robinson was arrested by police on Sunday for simply attending a march against antisemitism.
The Metropolitan Police said Robinson was “not welcome” at the event after he was last seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with officers during protests held on Armistice Day.
BREAKING: Tommy Robinson handcuffed, forcibly removed from march in London before he could cover event pic.twitter.com/eVvD0iwviT
— Jack Poso
(@JackPosobiec) November 26, 2023
As Tommy Robinson is dragged away from today’s protest, a march against antisemitism in central London, a woman holding a sign sings ‘oh Tommy Tommy’. pic.twitter.com/VwKGUEmLhl
— Aaron Bastani (@AaronBastani) November 26, 2023
Robinson repeatedly told officers “I’m at work” as they surrounded him to ready their arrest.
BREAKING:
British police arresting Tommy Robinson at the March Against Antisemitism in London
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 26, 2023
Video also shows police officers trying to intimidate him in an effort to stop him from attending the event.
Met Police attempting to intimidate me and stop me from reporting on the antisemitism march happening today in London.
Absolute disgrace @metpoliceuk pic.twitter.com/04XbVm0sIP
— Tommy Robinson
(@TRobinsonNewEra) November 26, 2023
They claimed Robinson was arrested because his presence at the demonstration was causing “alarm and distress.”
Admin post: Police have seized Tommy for the crime of journalism and are currently dispersing him for the perceived crime of ‘causing alarm and distress’ pic.twitter.com/HX7nt9bJcI
— Tommy Robinson
BREAKING:
Dozens of British police officers just arrested Tommy Robinson at the March Against Antisemitism in London.
They have practically made no arrests during the violent anti-Israel protests in the British capital city in previous weeks. pic.twitter.com/R2aVNvWSkd
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 26, 2023
Tens of thousands of people gathered in London to protest a rise in hate crimes against Jews since Hamas attacked Israel in October and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of Gaza.
The Met had warned that any offenses “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.
#LIVE Protest Against Antisemitism in #London
Live coverage: https://t.co/CBHJNC8gy9
Follow and keep updated. pic.twitter.com/PpdYJeEzuw
— HumanDilemma (@HumanDilemma_) November 26, 2023
The Met police issued a statement claiming they were justified in arresting Robinson because of “concerns” he “could cause fear” among demonstrators, and pushed back against assertions he was arrested because he’s a journalist.
Officers working as part of the policing and security operation for the March Against Antisemitism have arrested a 40-year-old man on the Strand.
He refused to comply with a direction to disperse under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.
Further… pic.twitter.com/gUtGCniSmg
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 26, 2023
Robinson said he was looking into suing the police for violating his free speech.
“When you see these abuse of powers by the police…they couldn’t stop the march on Armistice Day, they can’t stop them calling for jihad. Every Muslim nation-prescribed terror organization, they stand on the streets yesterday in this capital city calling for Muslim armies against Jews,” he told repoerters
“Yet, they’re going to arrest me. I’m just here to a report, to do my job, that’s it,” he added.
Admin post:
We are looking at suing the police for their actions today please help Tommy here – https://t.co/91xm6FEQKy
Watch Tommy Robinson’s arrest today in London by @metpoliceuk
PLEASE SHARE THIS EVERYWHERE!!! pic.twitter.com/ACPuJN2T8v
— Tommy Robinson
Users on social media sided with Robinson, calling his arrest a police state overreach.
Spot the difference when British cops arresting
VIOLENT BRITISH
MIGRANT: JOURNALIST: pic.twitter.com/7CkxXl5Hha— I Meme Therefore I Am
Batsh*t Bonkers Britain. sun 26 Nov
Tommy arrested for the crime of BEING in his own capital city. How very dare he. #TommyRobinson #EmilyHand #VaradkarOut pic.twitter.com/8YLJaEgwd2
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) November 26, 2023
Whether you agree with Tommy Robinson or not, London’s Gestapo have allowed pro-Hamas supporters to march uninterrupted whilst breaking numerous laws for weeks.
TR turns up at a protest against antisemitism and he is arrested and pepper sprayed by a group of pigs.#scumpolice https://t.co/W1boPvG1DE
— The Bow Man (@pablo_bowt) November 26, 2023
London has fallen to communists.
— Mike Engleman
(@RealHickory) November 26, 2023
Why does it take 20 police for one person?
— Planet Of Memes (@PlanetOfMemes) November 26, 2023
All around the world, free countries have shut down any protests that are against the government’s destruction of their countries.
Who is in charge of this fascism destroying our freedom?— Dr. Interracial
Free Speech should not be silenced!
— Anthony Hughes (@CallMeAntwan) November 26, 2023
The @metpoliceuk @SadiqKhan in full fascists and dictator mode
London has fallen
— LJ (@Lj20243) November 26, 2023
Hamas flags: ok
ISIS flags: ok
Genocidal chants: ok@TRobinsonNewEra: not okGoodnight Britain, you had a good run. https://t.co/1qQXXwW6MF
— Gad Saad (@GadSaad) November 26, 2023
WATCH: Treatment of Hamas VS treatment of Tommy Robinson
The Met Police are scum oppressors
#TwoTierPolicing pic.twitter.com/UixcLaskR3
— Paul Golding (@GoldingBF) November 26, 2023