An Afghan migrant who crossed the Channel on a small boat has been convicted for threatening to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a TikTok video. Fayaz Khan, living in Sweden since 2019, made the threat last October, referring to Farage’s YouTube video about illegal migrants. Khan’s TikTok, posted under the username “madapasa”, featured some alarming comments and gestures, including gun signs. Farage found the video “pretty chilling,” given Khan’s apparent fascination with firearms, even sporting an AK-47 tattoo on his face.
After nearly 12 hours of deliberation, a Southwark Crown Court jury found Khan guilty of the threat after videos were shown of Khan repeating similar disturbing behaviours. Although Khan claimed it was all for comedic effect and not a real threat, the court deemed the content sinister.
Prosecutor Peter Ratliff argued that Khan’s actions weren’t just careless remarks, but rather a deliberate and menacing threat, pointing to his gun tattoos as evidence of his interest in firearms.
Khan’s legal team argued he was simply attention-seeking in an eccentric manner, but the jury didn’t buy it.
Detective Constable Liam Taylor revealed that Khan had even live-streamed his journey across the Channel, adding another layer to an already controversial case. Khan got arrested last October after finally reaching the UK, and now his social media antics have landed him in hot water.
What are your thoughts on the influence of social media on such serious matters? Can comedic claims justify threatening behaviour online? Let us know what you think in the comments!