British anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson and supported by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, was denied permission to challenge the decision that keeps him in segregation in prison.
Yaxley-Lennon was sentenced to 18 months in October after admitting to contempt of court. He violated an injunction that prohibited him from making defamatory statements about a Syrian refugee, whom he falsely accused of attacking a girl at his school.
Since then, he has been held apart from other inmates at Woodhill Prison in central England for more than 140 days due to concerns for his safety. Yaxley-Lennon claims this decision is politically motivated, reflecting his activism and beliefs, as argued by his lawyer Alisdair Williamson in London's High Court.
He sought to contest his segregation, claiming it violated his right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment. However, Judge Martin Chamberlain denied his request, stating that the segregation was implemented for his protection and to ensure the safety of other prisoners and staff.
The judge noted that Yaxley-Lennon spends about three hours per day outside his cell, has work opportunities that provide him with additional time out, and can receive visits and phone calls from friends and family. Consequently, Chamberlain concluded that it would be inaccurate to label Yaxley-Lennon's situation as "solitary confinement."