If you follow the international news, or are a UK resident, you
have undoubtedly heard of the ongoing case of Tommy Robinson, also known as
Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon. The case is a complex situation, best
defined as a "hot mess", but it needs to be looked at objectively,
before analyzed with opinion.
Here's what happened:
- A trail in Cantebury England,
specifically at the Leeds Crown Courthouse, for a group of 'child
groomers' was being held and presented for trial.
- Tommy Robinson, an English
'activist' and journalist, was outside of the courthouse along with dozens
of journalists.
- Tommy Robinsonwas filming members
of the group on trial.
- Tommy Robinsonwas arrested on
suspicion of "breach of the peace".
- Tommy Robinsonand all news
surrounding his legal status is prohibited from being reported on.
- Tommy Robinsonis quickly and
quietly sentenced to a prison sentence of 10-13 months for "contempt
of court".
Okay, now we know
what's happened. Let's dive into some context English law. England has what's
called "reporting restrictions" that can be ordered by a judge.
During one of this so called "restrictions" certain cases, incidents
and events can't be reported to the public.
According to 'McNaes
Essential Laws for Journalists': "In a modern, developed
society it is only a small minority of citizens who can participate directly in
the discussions that shape the public life of that society."
Meaning only some
people have the freedom to say things, right or wrong that can influence the
public in any way. Meaning the Government controls directly, through legal law,
what can be said, and heard to the civilian populace. These laws were created
under the mask of "protecting freedom of expression and journalistic
integrity". Instead, they condemn, any and all who say things the
judiciary of England deems 'inappropriate' for the public. This is censorship,
and this is the controlling of public opinion, and it's wrong.
Upon his arrest,
which was filmed by Tommy Robinson, the officers stated they were holding him
on suspicion of "breaching the peace". In layman terms he was
'causing a raucous'. Directly following his arrest, which many are decrying as
"unwarranted", "unfair", and "infringing upon the
right of free speech" an order of restriction was made. So for the coming
three days after the initial arrest, no one knew why Mr. Robinson was arrested,
on what charges, grounds or assumptions, or what would happen to him.
By the time media
silence was broken, and the news went internationally viral, Tommy Robinson had
been quietly sentenced and moved between two maximum security prisons. Because
of the prison populations feelings towards Mr. Robinson, many are calling it a
"death sentence". The official ruling was Mr. Robinson was being held
for "contempt of court". Where, because of his reporting on the case,
the judiciary decided his reports may sway or change people thinking, including
those members of the jury.
Let's simplify this
and what it means for the UK, which is now embroiled in civil rioting and legal
trouble, as well as internationally. A sovereign nation (UK), is not only
deciding who can say what about what, and they are jailing people for violating
that rule. In America this would be a violation of the First, Fifth, Sixth and
Seventh Amendments. Namely the First, "Freedom of Speech/Press".
A large movement,
backed by political leaders in Europe such as Greet Wilder among others has
rallied around Mr. Robinson. Many groups of international citizens have begun
marching on UK embassies, and protesting. A petition with nearing on 600,000
signatures, for Tommy Robinson has surprisingly remained under the radar of
many. But more and more people are hearing about this heinous incident and
insult to Free Speech, and more are raising their voices. We have a government
in England, that is considered a free democracy, but is infringing upon the
basic rights of its own citizens. Any government that would create laws where
they could monitor what news got to the public ear, is a government embroiled
in corruption. Is this the beginnings of Police State Britain? We will have to
see in the coming weeks as many protest and fight for the freedom of political
activist Tommy Robinson.
