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Post by Admin on Jun 27, 2024 0:00:37 GMT
Tommy Robinson has been arrested in Canada on suspicion of an immigration offence after speaking at an event in Calgary.
The right-wing figure, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, was held on Monday before being released, having been ordered to stay in the country and hand in his passport.
Robinson said on X: "None of this makes sense, I’m now detained in Calgary, prevented from leaving the city, these conditions stop me from continuing my tour of Canada and meeting with guests for podcasts.
“I’m not even allowed to leave to travel home.”
Footage posted online showed him being handcuffed and led to the back of a waiting car as he laughed and described the arrest as "absolutely insane".
A man who appeared to be a plain-clothed police officer told him he was being arrested under an outstanding immigration warrant.
The 41-year-old had been booked to speak in three Canadian cities by far-right outlet Rebel News. He was expected for more podcast appearances in Edmonton and Toronto.
This is not Robinson's first arrest as he has often clashed with police at marches against anti-semitism.
In 2012, he also pleaded guilty to using a friend's passport to travel to the United States and was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.
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Post by Admin on Aug 18, 2024 13:33:53 GMT
According to the 2019 investigation, Robinson is said to have received significant financial and ideological support from The Middle East Forum (MEF), a Philadelphia-based think tank, long known for its pro-Israel and anti-Muslim stance. MEF has been one of Robinson’s biggest sponsors. MEF’s president, Daniel Pipes, reportedly confirmed that his organisation spent approximately $60,000 on three demonstrations supporting Robinson during his legal trials.
The Times of Israel report also mentions Robert Shillman, described as a US-based ultra-Zionist billionaire, who frequently donates to Israeli institutions. Shillman reportedly financed a fellowship that paid for a position Robinson held in 2017 with the Rebel Media, a right-wing Canadian website. Other organisations, including the Gatestone Institute and the David Horowitz Freedom Centre, have published articles defending Robinson. These groups have long been known as major players in the global anti-Muslim industry.
Commenting on Shillman, the Guardian said that the Zionist billionaire played a crucial role in Robinson’s financial support and listed ways in which he helped pay for Robinson’s employment. Other organisations have contributed to Robinson’s cause. The Australian Liberty Alliance, a small right-wing group, is said to have provided funding, though the amount was not disclosed. Support by previously mentioned the Gatestone Institute, DHFC in California, are on the Guardian list. The DHFC has also lobbied for Robinson to address US politicians.
These organisations are well-funded by influential right-wing donors that are deeply and ideologically wedded to Israel. Tax returns examined by the Guardian show that, between 2014 and 2016, they received almost $5 million from several millionaire donors. The MEF received $792,000 from a foundation led by Nina Rosenwald, while the DHFC received over $1.6 million from five wealthy benefactors. The Gatestone Institute received more than $2 million in donations, including $250,000 from the Mercer Family Foundation, which is run by one of Donald Trump’s top donors.
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