Tommy Robinson says he 'got it wrong' over man he falsely accused of filming children

Tommy Robinson, a prominent far-right activist known for his controversial views on immigration, has publicly acknowledged that he made a mistake in accusing a man of filming children in a Glasgow park. The incident unfolded last Sunday when footage of Quoroum Beg, a UK-born father of three, holding a mobile phone was circulated online. Robinson, using his X account, labeled Beg an “invader” and shared the video with his two million followers. However, Beg clarified that he was actually recording an anti-immigration demonstration that had prompted him and his family to leave the park. Beg, who lives in Glasgow, explained that he took his children to the park on Sunday evening. Around 9 p.m., he noticed a growing commotion near the park. A helicopter was visible overhead, and a group of people with banners approached, some wearing balaclavas. The atmosphere turned tense as the demonstrators chanted slogans such as “close the borders” and “save our children,” targeting Beg directly. Fearing for his children’s safety, Beg led them back to their flat but returned to retrieve his car. Upon returning, Beg decided to confront the demonstrators with what he called “part of that anti-racism Glasgow spirit.” He used his phone to film the protest, intending to document the scene. After police advised him that the act could escalate tensions, he moved away and sat on a swing set. It was during this time that he was inadvertently captured on camera by some of the demonstrators. The video, which showed Beg holding his phone, was uploaded online and later shared by Robinson. Robinson swiftly corrected his initial accusation, stating on X that “in this instance I got it wrong, as did many others” and deleting the original post. Despite this, Beg expressed disappointment, noting that the correction seemed insufficient. He questioned whether Robinson was apologizing due to factual errors or for the emotional harm inflicted upon him. Beg, who works full-time in Glasgow, now reports feeling intimidated and has received an emergency police contact number to ensure his safety. The incident reflects broader concerns about the impact of disinformation in public spaces. Recent weeks have seen a surge in anti-immigration demonstrations in Glasgow, some of which have resulted in incidents such as the smashing of windows at a local home. Police later attributed these acts to mistaken identity fueled by online misinformation. Additionally, videos depicting individuals in black, arranged in military formations, have circulated online, commemorating a white teenager killed in 2004. These developments have sparked further scrutiny, particularly following the arrest of Glasgow-based video blogger Craig Houston. On Friday, Houston was detained at Edinburgh Airport under anti-terror laws while returning from Greece. His phone and laptop were seized by officers, though Houston has since released a video detailing his experience. Beg, a fourth-generation British citizen, emphasized the unsettling nature of the current political climate. He described how the spread of false narratives has created an environment where individuals face unwarranted suspicion and fear. As the situation continues to unfold, the community watches closely, hoping for clarity and accountability amid rising tensions.