EDL founder’s Instagram page deleted in error

INSTAGRAM yesterday restored the account of Tommy Robinson, the English Defence League founder, after it was deleted “in error” for 18 hours.

The far-right activist complained on social media after his account disappeared on Monday night and speculated that his Facebook page would be deleted next. However the account, which has 14,000 followers, was fully restored yesterday afternoon.

The Daily Telegraph understands his account was mistakenly taken down after being reported to Instagram for violating its bullying guidelines.

A spokesman for Instagram said: “The account @realtommyrobinson was removed in error and has since been reactivated.”

Earlier this year Robinson, 35, was banned from Twitter for reportedly breaching its “hateful conduct” rules.

His temporary removal from Instagram came a week after Facebook, which owns Instagram, removed four pages connected to Alex Jones, the US Right-wing conspiracy theorist and a supporter of Robinson. Jones also had his Youtube page deleted and Apple Store and Spotify podcasts removed.

Robinson has been critical of Jones’s bans, accusing Silicon Valley companies of “fascism”.

Robinson was released from prison last week after a contempt of court conviction was quashed and the Court of Appeal ordered a new trial.