(MENAFN- Khaama Press) An Afghan migrant is on trial in London accused of posting a TikTok video simulating gunfire toward UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, prosecutors said.
An Afghan migrant went on trial in London on Tuesday accused of threatening to kill Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's Reform Party, in a TikTok video that appeared to show him pretending to shoot at the politician.

Prosecutors told Southwark Crown Court that 26-year-old Fayaz Khan posted the video in October 2024, just two days after Farage released a clip criticizing migrants and Britain's border policies. In his response, Khan urged Farage to delete his post while making hand gestures that simulated firing a gun directly at the camera.

The court heard that Khan had previously attempted to reach the UK and documented parts of his journey across Europe on social media. The prosecution described his actions as“calculated and threatening,” arguing that the video was intended to intimidate a prominent public figure.

Farage, giving evidence via video link, said he found the footage“genuinely frightening” and feared for his safety.“This was not satire or free speech - it was a direct threat from someone who appeared to admire weapons,” he said, noting Khan's apparent interest in firearms on his social media accounts.

Khan's defense lawyer admitted that the video matched Farage's account but insisted it was“a moment of anger, not a genuine intent to kill.” Khan has denied the charge of making threats to kill, saying his gestures were“symbolic and exaggerated,” not intended to be taken literally.

The case has drawn attention amid growing concern in Britain over online harassment and violent rhetoric directed at public figures. Lawmakers across party lines have called for stronger protections following several high-profile attacks on politicians in recent years.

Legal experts say the trial underscores the difficulty of balancing free expression with the need to curb threats made on social media. The court is expected to deliver its verdict later this month, as debate continues over the limits of digital speech and political accountability in the UK.

ShareFacebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Print Telegram

MENAFN08102025000228011069ID1110165566