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Facebook, Instagram ban British far-right founder, Tommy Robinson

Published

5 years ago

February 26, 2019

Social media giant Facebook removed the accounts of British far – right founder Tommy Robinson , on Tuesday but his YouTube channel remained active .Facebook said Robinson ’ s pages had repeatedly broken its standards by “ posting material that uses dehumanising language and calls for violence targeted at Muslims .

“ He has also behaved in ways that violate our policies around organised hate , ” it said in a statement confirming it had removed Robinson ’ s official Facebook page and Instagram profile .

Gerard Batten , leader of the Brexit -focused UK Independence Party , appointed Robinson , 36 , as an unpaid adviser in November 2018 .

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was “ appalled ” by the appointment .

Batten urged Facebook on Tuesday to reinstate Robinson ’ s accounts and those of other senior UKIP members that were also removed “ without any explanation whatsoever. ”

“ I am sure it is no coincidence that this is happening within 24 hours of the release of the ‘ Panodrama ’ documentary , ” he said , referring to Robinson ’ s video accusing the BBC of bias over an investigation of him by the broadcaster ’ s Panorama programme.

In a post on YouTube on Monday, Robinson urged supporters to join a mailing list “ so I can contact you when I eventually get deleted . ”

The former leader of the English Defence League and co – founder of Pegida UK , whose real name is Stephen Yaxley -Lennon , has convictions for assault, public disorder and drugs offences .

Robinson was sentenced to 13 months in prison in May after broadcasting details of a trial in progress .

But he was freed on bail in August pending a decision on a possible retrial .

( dpa /NAN)