"But this week, Musk sent a heart emoji to Tommy Robinson, the far-right Islamophobic activist from the United Kingdom. Though Musk largely ignored UK politics this year while working in the US government at his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he appears to be back across the pond, spending his money and using his platform to elevate far-right extremists."
"Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was charged under the Terrorism Act after he refused to give police access to his cell phone in July 2024 while trying to leave the UK. Prosecutor Jo Morris told the judge this week the police believed "there may be information relevant to acts of terrorism" on the phone at the time. Robinson has pleaded not guilty and claimed the stop was unlawful. A decision in this case is due next month."
Elon Musk frequently uses heart emojis on X and recently reacted to Tommy Robinson, a far-right UK activist, with one. Robinson thanked Musk and claimed Musk agreed to fund his legal defense for a Terrorism Act-related charge. Robinson was charged after refusing police access to his phone while attempting to leave the UK; prosecutors said police believed there "may be information relevant to acts of terrorism" on the device. Robinson pleaded not guilty and called the stop unlawful. A prominent solicitor estimated full defense costs could reach roughly half a million pounds or more with appeals. Musk and Robinson did not respond to requests for comment.
Read at WIRED
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