Syrian refugee filmed being attacked at school sues Tommy Robinson over Facebook comments

The men were involved in protests supporting far-right activist Tommy Robinson
AFP/Getty Images

Tommy Robinson is being sued for £100,000 over comments he made about a Syrian refugee who was filmed being attacked at school.

Jamal Hijazi's lawyer said the 16-year-old is seeking libel action against the English Defence League (EDL) founder for allegedly peddling “false and defamatory lies” in a series of Facebook posts.

A video of the teenage refugee being pushed to the ground and “waterboarded” at Almondbury School in Huddersfield sparked public outrage when it was shared on social media in December.

Robinson, 36, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, commented on the case in a series of Facebook posts.

Mr Hijazi’s lawyer Tasmine Akunjee confirmed his client had lodged a defamation claim against the far-right activist at the High Court on Wednesday.

"He [Robinson] made some comments about Jamal being involved with attacks against young white girls at the school, which are untrue,” Mr Akunjee told reporters.

"Jamal suffered harm because of that, to his reputation, so he's suing Yaxley-Lennon for that."

They are requesting £100,000 in damages and Robinson has 28 days to file a defence, the lawyer added.

On Tuesday, High Court judges ruled the former EDL leader will face a fresh court hearing over claims he put the trial of a child sex abuse ring at risk.

He is accused of “aggressively” confronting defendants outside Leeds crown court while broadcasting over Facebook Live video.

Robinson was jailed over the incident last May but then freed on appeal after judges ruled the original contempt of court proceedings had been botched.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC was given permission to bring new proceedings against Robinson, despite the controversial campaigner’s insistence the case was a waste of money and “politically motivated”.

He could be sent back to jail if he is again found in contempt at a hearing in July. The crime carries a maximum sentence of two years.

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