A man has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of threatening to kill Nigel Farage. Fayaz Khan, a 26-year-old individual originally from Afghanistan who arrived in the UK by boat, made the threat against the Reform UK leader in a TikTok video deemed “sinister and menacing” by prosecutors.
During his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, it was revealed that Khan had provided false information to British authorities, using a different name due to a criminal record in Sweden. Records showed that Khan, also known as Fayaz Husseini, had been convicted of 17 offenses on 12 occasions, including low-level crimes and drug-related incidents.
Prosecutors highlighted a previous conviction in June 2019 for threatening behavior towards a public servant, resulting in imprisonment for Khan. Following the sentencing, Nigel Farage expressed a cautious response, acknowledging the severity of the five-year sentence but expressing concern that Khan could potentially be released in 18 months.
In a dramatic outburst in court, Khan protested his innocence, claiming he did not intend harm and expressing a desire to return to Afghanistan where his family resides. The sentencing judge, Mrs. Justice Steyn, echoed Mr. Farage’s sentiments, describing Khan’s actions as a “threat to kill with a firearm” and acknowledging the chilling nature of the threat.
Nicholas Coates of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the importance of protecting elected officials from threats, stating that individuals who seek to intimidate politicians will face legal consequences. The prosecution also highlighted Khan’s interest in firearms, referencing his distinctive tattoos as evidence of his affinity for weapons.
Khan’s defense lawyer, Charles Royle, argued that Khan’s behavior on TikTok was meant to be comedic and attention-seeking rather than a genuine threat. Royle urged jurors to focus on the specific charges against Khan, emphasizing that the trial was not about immigration or political views.
The court heard that Khan’s actions were triggered by a video posted by Mr. Farage, which led to Khan’s threatening response on TikTok. Despite Khan’s claims that his actions were not meant as a real threat, law enforcement officials highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that Khan had documented his journey to the UK on social media.
Overall, the case underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of public figures and the consequences individuals face for making threatening statements, even in the realm of social media.