Far-right figure Tommy Robinson has been spotted in Cyprus and Greece this week. Robinson has been accused of inciting riots in Britain, the United Kingdom.
According to Ekathimerini, Robinson posted a video on his personal X account on Wednesday, August 7, which appears to have been filmed in Greece. In the video, the 41-year-old (whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) addressed his followers with an Athens neighbourhood in the background.
Previously, Robinson was staying at a hotel in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, but left after his location was made public.
Greek officials said they believe Robinson did not travel directly from Cyprus and noted he is not facing any charges that would justify a ban on entering the country.
Robinson first gained prominence in 2009 as the leader of the now defunct English Defence League (EDL), the Islamophobic street movement around which groups of football hooligans united. He has been imprisoned four times for various offences.
UK police are currently investigating Robinson for his alleged role in disseminating disinformation following last week’s killings of three young girls in Southport, northwest England.
Nightly riots, during which mosques and migrant targets have been attacked, have erupted in English towns and cities since the three children, aged nine, seven and six, were murdered on July 29 during a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Five more children were critically injured.
False rumours initially spread on social media saying the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. The suspect was later identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales. UK media reported that his parents are from Rwanda.
On Wednesday, August 7, 6,000 riot-trained police officers were on standby in the UK to respond to potential disorder. But while thousands of anti-racism campaigners turned out, the far-right was largely absent.
Source: Ekathimerini, The Australian.