Far-right leader Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested during a London march against antisemitism, defying organizers’ requests to stay away.
The arrest occurred as part of a demonstration attended by around 60,000 people, marking the largest anti-antisemitism gathering since 1936.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism emphasized the urgent need for police to address antisemitic hate crimes and ensure the safety of Jews in central London.
Far-right leader Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested during a London march against antisemitism after ignoring organizers’ requests to stay away.
The arrest took place as part of a demonstration against the rise in antisemitism in Britain since the October attack in southern Israel by Hamas.
Yaxley-Lennon was detained by police who instructed him to leave the area, as seen in footage where he refused, claiming to attend as a journalist.
The march, attended by an estimated 60,000 people, marked the largest anti-antisemitism gathering since 1936.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism had previously denounced Yaxley-Lennon, linking his supporters to violence during a November 11 clash with police.
The Metropolitan Police stated that the arrest was made under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act after Yaxley-Lennon refused to disperse.
The Met addressed concerns from march organizers about Yaxley-Lennon’s attendance causing fear among participants.
Despite his claim of being present as a journalist, the police clarified that this was not a relevant factor in his arrest.
Gideon Falter, CEO of Campaign Against Antisemitism, highlighted the urgency of addressing antisemitic hate crimes in central London, expressing concern that Jews feel unsafe in the city.
The organization called for action, emphasizing the need for the police to treat antisemitic hate crimes with the same seriousness as other forms of hate crimes.