WATCH: Tommy Robinson Opens Up After Going Free

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, was released from prison in after serving part of an 18-month sentence for contempt of court. The High Court reduced his sentence by four months on May 20, 2025, following his application to "purge his contempt" by showing commitment to comply with a 2021 injunction.

This injunction barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee, Jamal Hijazi, who successfully sued him for libel. Robinson admitted to 10 breaches, including publishing a film, Silenced, which contained the defamatory claims. The sentence originally included a 14-month punitive element and a four-month coercive element, with the latter removable if he adhered to the court order, which he did by removing Silenced from his X profile.

His supporters celebrated his release as a victory for free speech, with some claiming he was jailed for exposing uncomfortable truths about grooming gangs. Others are less happy. They see him as a far-right agitator whose actions inflame tensions.

Elon Musk publicly backed Robinson, calling for his release in January 2025 and sharing Silenced on X, calling it a fight against censorship.

However, Robinson’s freedom comes with complications. On May 21, 2025, he was charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence against two journalists, related to incidents in August 2024 during UK riots. He’s due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 5, 2025, raising the possibility of further legal trouble. Additionally, he faces another trial for failing to provide his phone PIN during a July 2024 arrest under the Terrorism Act 200.

Still, for those who have been following his journey and his declining mental health in jail, this news is wonderful.