Tommy Robinson Defies Police, Refuses to Unlock Phone Citing Journalist Privilege
Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist, resisted police demands to unlock his phone, citing journalist privilege during a stop at the Channel Tunnel en route to Benidorm.
- During a traffic stop at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, Tommy Robinson (activist) refused to disclose the PIN for his phone, claiming it contained protected journalist material.
- Robinson, driving a silver Bentley SUV, was approached by police after giving vague replies about his activities, prompting suspicions under the Terrorism Act 2000.
- The incident is currently being examined in Westminster Magistrates Court, where Robinsons refusal to unlock his phone raises questions about the intersection of journalism and law enforcement.
Why It Matters
This case highlights ongoing tensions between state security measures and the protection of journalistic freedom in the United Kingdom, particularly in relation to how far authorities can probe into personal communications.