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Meghan Markle's Half Sister Demands Release Of Tommy Robinson On Twitter

Meghan Markle's Half Sister Demands Release Of Tommy Robinson On Twitter

Meghan Markle's half sister, Samantha Markle, has demanded the release of the co-founder of the English Defence League, Tommy Robinson

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

What's the thing Meghan Markle is worrying about most, do you reckon? Which pieces of cutlery to use at her next social function with the in-laws? Whether any of Harry's more 'determined' fans might still have designs on her husband?

Or maybe she's just concerned about her family throwing themselves into the volatile world of UK politics...?

The royals are supposed to remain politically neutral, of course - but now Meghan's sister has thrown her support behind the English Defence League co-founder, Tommy Robinson, who was jailed for 13 months after pleading guilty to contempt of court just days ago. Awkward.

The half-sister of the newly married Duchess of Sussex took to Twitter, calling on the British Prime Minister Theresa May to 'free' Robinson. The former leader of the EDL was arrested on Friday after using social media to broadcast details of an ongoing trial which is subject to blanket reporting restrictions.

Samantha wrote: "Theresa May MP: Free Tommy Robinson - Sign the Petition!"

Of course, the faux pas could just be one of those situations where Americans don't understand English customs (anyone who's ever watched a Brit say '...and one for yourself' in a Stateside bar will understand that this works both ways).

Twitter

The petition she shared has been signed by more than 500,000 people, praising the behaviour of Robinson and calling for his release. It reads: "It's time we stand together, stand strong, and stand by his side."

Some Twitter users expressed their support for Robinson, but others criticised Samantha for misunderstanding the law surrounding contempt of court and wading into an extremely divisive aspect of UK politics. Wonder what Megs is making of all this...?

Tommy Robinson was sentenced to 10 months for contempt of court and a further three months for flouting the terms of a suspended sentence.

Facebook/Samantha Markle

He was arrested at Leeds Crown Court on Friday. The arrest was filmed and shared on Robinsons' Facebook page. In the clip he can be heard asking one of his supporters: "Can you get me a solicitor?"

Robinson, real name Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, was already under a suspended sentence over a contempt of court during a gang rape trial in Canterbury last year.

In the clip from last Friday, the arresting officer can be heard telling Robinson: "You are being arrested on suspicion of causing a breach of the peace."

Facebook/Samantha Markle

Robinson, who founded the EDL in 2009 before quitting in 2013, then tells the officer: "This is ridiculous, I haven't said a word. I've done nothing."

However, the judge later told Robinson that his actions could cause the trial to be re-run, costing 'hundreds and hundreds of thousands of pounds'.

This isn't the first time Meghan's family have stepped in with unhelpful comments - prior to her wedding to Prince Harry, her step-brother had already written an open letter asking Hazza to leave her, calling the former actress a 'jaded, shallow, conceited woman' - bet that went down like a lead balloon.

In the meantime, looks like the debate surrounding Robinson's sentence is set to run and run.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Samantha Markle/PA

Topics: World News, UK News, News, tommy robinson, US News, Royals, Politics, Meghan Markle