Tommy Robinson treatment is ‘shocking’- Morrissey decries jail term as a blow to UK free speech
Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has thrown his support behind jailed EDL founder Tommy Robinson. He also praised Anne Marie Waters far-right ‘For Britain’ party, known for its anti-Islamic views.
Morrissey caused quite a stir after telling digital debate platform Tremr that the treatment of Tommy Robinson by the UK criminal justice system infringes on free speech.
“Anne Marie Waters seeks open discussion about all aspects of modern Britain, whereas other parties will not allow diverse opinion...she doesn’t read from a script, she believes in British heritage, freedom of speech, and she wants everyone in the UK to live under the same law.
“I find this compelling, now, because it’s very obvious that Labour or the Tories do not believe in free speech. I mean, look at the shocking treatment of Tommy Robinson.”
On March 25, Robinson put a case - which includes 29 charges of child abuse and neglect - at risk of a mistrial by live-streaming within earshot of jurors as they entered the court. He was sentenced to 13 months jail; ten months for contempt of court and an extra three months for disregarding the terms of his suspended sentence.
Twitter users were quick to clap back against the remarks made the ex-Smiths frontman. “I can’t believe he still has any fans left, the Morrissey we knew and loved is long gone,” one Twitter user wrote. Others accused him of going “full gammon”.
Is there anything sadder than hearing Morrissey wax lyrical about For Britain and defend Tommy Robinson. I can’t believe he still has any fans left, the Morrissey we knew and loved is long gone.
— Liam Ingram (@LiamIngram7) June 6, 2018
He's gone full gammon. Never go full gammon. Morrissey Condemns 'Shocking Treatment' Of Tommy Robinson https://t.co/A2aGCw5pac
— 罗伯特 (@trott3r) June 6, 2018
Some just wondered if the musician was making such comments so as to best promote an upcoming return to music. Others, taking on board Morrissey’s habit of controversial statements, weren’t surprised.
🎶He fought in contempt of court,Whoa-ooooooo,Don't call me gammon,I don't eat gammon,Whoa-ooooooo🎶
— Chris Stokes (@_chris_stokes) June 6, 2018
In turn, some of Robinson’s #FreeTommy defenders chimed in. One user said: “He is right the treatment of Tommy Robinson is shocking, he is showing concern that the UK is becoming an authoritarian hell hole.” Another added that Morrissey is “as balanced as ever”.
Morrissey defending Tommy Robinson show's that he is in favour of fighting for free speech and freedom to criticise whatever you want. He is right the treatment of Tommy Robinson is shocking, he is showing concern that the UK is becoming an authoritarian hell hole. #FreeTommy
— CaramelKalEl95 (@CaramelKalEl) June 6, 2018
Not 'right wing'. Morrissey is as balanced as ever. For Britain & Tommy Robinson are opposed to the barbaric Islam ideology, as is Morrissey. If you oppose this view then you are by definition PRO the barbaric Islam ideology. Anti-gay. Anti-women. Anti-animal rights. Shame on you
— Morrissey's BRS (@BlueRoseSociety) June 5, 2018
One supporter compared Tommy Robinson to Rosa Parks - sparking a sarcastic comparison to Jesus.
Switch on the air-con, because we’re in the presence of the hottest of takes. pic.twitter.com/G1U3C4J72n
— The Secret Barrister (@BarristerSecret) June 6, 2018
Jesus was sacrificed on the cross just like Tommy
— Adam Wagner (@AdamWagner1) June 6, 2018
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