Ezra Levant from The Rebel has live-tweeted Tommy Robinson’s hearing today after receiving the judge’s approval.
I have just landed in London and come down to the Old Bailey criminal courts. 1,500 pro-Tommy Robinson supporters chanting his name; I counted 16 Antifa counter-protesters. About 50 cops; all is peaceful. For updates all day, visit https://t.co/uCsaCG3ekB pic.twitter.com/aoOjHcsRsd
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
I am now in courtroom 2 of the Old Bailey. It is the most serious criminal court in the UK — murderers, terrorists, etc.
It is bizarre that a minor matter of Tommy Robinson's civil contempt — not a crime, and almost never a custodial sentence — is being heard here.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
I am tweeting now from the courtroom. But I have been advised by court security and the court clerk that live-tweeting is not permitted during the proceedings. As I did at the Court of Appeal, I have asked the clerk to ask the judge to permit it for today. She said she'd ask.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
When I was at the Court of Appeal in July & August, Tommy Robinson had asked his supporters to stay away from the courts; there were about 100 pro-Tommy protesters outside, and maybe 50 who sat in the courtroom itself.
Today: it's massive. I have never seen such a thing. 1,500+.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
To say that Tommy Robinson was greeted as a rock star is inaccurate; rock stars have fawning, shallow, shrieking fans. These were serious, motivated, deeply-engaged supporters. They were energetic and fun (e.g. the chanting). But they're not fangirls. They're true allies.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
There is very high security at this court. First of all, it is a court for murder and terrorism; so it's high security to begin with. Plus, there is a huge crowd outside. So they have a list of pre-approved people to attend — some from Tommy's party, some from the media.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
GREAT NEWS! The clerk just told me the judge approved my request to live-tweet the hearing! (Thanks Jo!)
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The judge has entered!
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The "friend of the court" lawyer is speaking first. He is clarifying his role. He is appointed by the Attorney General, but he is not instructed by the Attorney General. As in: he acts independently of the government, he says.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
He is emphasizing that nothing he says or does is in the name of the Attorney General. It's his own views.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The judge has recognized Tommy Robinson. Now Mr. Furlong is on his feet; the judge is referring to procedural wrangling that has predated today's hearing.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The judge is asking Mr. Furlong (Tommy's lawyer) what the next procedural steps should be.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
Tommy's lawyer says he'd prefer to put his advice in writing to the judge. The judge replies that he will make a public ruling, with the decisions made public, for any "route forward" for this hearing. The judge says there's a public interest in this case.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
"I'm very anxious that what happens in these proceedings, whatever form that they take.. that those are to be reported fully and contemporaneously". I think he means: sunshine is the best disinfectant here.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The judge now refers to a future date for a "substantive hearing". So that makes it clear: the main hearing will not happen today. Today is a planning/procedural day. Not the main trial.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
Mr. Fulong, Tommy's lawyer, says he wants seven days to put together a written proposal for the way forward, including scheduling the date. He suggests that the date should be after Oct. 22nd, for scheduling conflict reasons.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
I should note: the court is 2/3 empty. There were over 1,500 people outside; including a number of serious Tommy fans who had travelled here for the trial (I met a woman who flied in from Hong Kong!) But the courtroom has dozens of empty seats. That's a fact.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
P.S. This is the Amicus Curiae — the friend of the court, hired by the Attorney General. Angus McCullough: https://t.co/iIupXA8mmo
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
Judge says we're done — after less than 20 minutes of proceedings.
The only bail condition on Tommy Robinson is that he must attend the next proceedings.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The judge is telling the BBC reporter that he will receive advice from the lawyers privately, but issue his decision on procedure publicly.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
I have named the Attorney General's lawyer, and Tommy's new barrister. I should say that the judge today was Nicholas Hilliard, QC, who holds the title of "recorder" — the most senior judge in the Old Bailey: https://t.co/mmnXdKwK5R
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
Again, it's bizarre that a civil contempt matter is being treated by the most senior criminal court judge in the most senior criminal court in the UK.
But that's how it always is with Tommy — disproportionate application of the law. Or as some would say, "another stitch-up."
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
During breaks, and at the end, I will attempt to scoot outside to connect with our cameraman Ed, and film video updates. Those will then be sent back to HQ for a quick edit and upload to https://t.co/uCsaCG3ekB.
— Ezra Levant ? (@ezralevant) September 27, 2018
The British Establishment should listen up and listen well. There is rage in the good people of Britain. It will not remain suppressed for long. Tommy arriving at the Old Bailey #TommyRobinson pic.twitter.com/y3z7AIUWEt
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) September 27, 2018
