Tommy Robinson, a British journalist and former leader of the English Defence League (EDL) has been jailed for 13 months, reports confirmed.
The 35-year-old was arrested last Friday, May 25, outside Leeds Crown Court for filming alleged child-trafficking gang members entering the court for trial. Video footage, that was shared widely across social media shows Robinson being surrounded and arrested by police.
Robinson, a citizen journalist, has been publicly speaking out against the threat of Islamic extremism and terrorism for nearly a decade.
In recent times, Britain has been hit by multiple child-sex scandals from gangs filled with mostly Muslim men.
The report found that the majority of the perpetrators were Muslim men who targeted girls aged between 12 to 16. The scandal has been described as one of the biggest and worst in UK history.
The arrest of Robinson sparked massive protests outside Downing Street as supporters of free speech called for his release. There appeared to be thousands in attendance.
“Tommy Robinson has been arrested and jailed for reporting on Muslim grooming gangs,” the petition states. “A job that he chooses to do with no regard for his own safety, informing the public of all the wrongs committed in the name of Allah.”
On social media, the protests continued, as users used the hashtag #FreeTommy to raise awareness. Marches across the UK have also been scheduled.
The arrest sparked worldwide attention, as hundreds of citizens in Australia also came together to protest outside a British Embassy in the country. Many held up #FreeTommy signs in both Sydney and Melbourne. Similar events took place in Canada as well.
The group that Robinson helped c0-found years ago, the EDL, is opposed to the spread of “militant Islam.”
“Our activities are peaceful. We are committed to non-violence,” the website states.