Distretto Nord

Willie Frazer in tribunale vestito come Abu Hamza

Frazer appears at court as ‘Abu Hamza’

Loyalist victims’ campaigner Willie Frazer has appeared at a Belfast court dressed as radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza.

Frazer, 53, arrived at the Laganside complex wearing a flowing black robe, skullcap, fake beard, an eye-patch and hooked hand.

The Markethill man is on bail awaiting trial for charges linked to the loyalist flag protests.

He is charged with encouraging offences at an address to union flag demonstrators in January.

He is also accused of three counts of taking part in an unnotified public procession, obstructing traffic in a public place, and possession of a prohibited weapon, namely a Taser stun gun.

Speaking to UTV on Friday before entering the court, Frazer said he had dressed as Abu Hamza in protest at the charges he faces.

“Basically I’m here to make a point.

“The law that they [the authorities] are trying to charge me with was brought out to deal with extreme Muslims, who are preaching hate and bitterness on the streets of the United Kingdom, calling for the beheading of British soldiers and British infidels as they call them,” he alleged.

“Who do they charge? The first man charged in the United Kingdom is a protestant from Northern Ireland,” he claimed.

“There is something seriously wrong with the legal system. This was a good law – but the police have made a mockery of it and it’s an utter and total disgrace.

“And that’s what I’m here to do – to make that point.”

He was accompanied by flag protestors Jim Dowson and Jamie Bryson, who were also dressed up in costumes.

Radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri, who lost the sight of one eye and both hands in an explosion, was extradited from the UK to America to face terrorism charges last year, after numerous delays due to legal wrangles.

He spent time in jail in the UK for incitement to murder and racial hatred.

Frazer removed the outfit before appearing before the judge at Belfast Magistrates’ Court for an update on his case.

Prosecutors confirmed that the case against him is to proceed summarily, rather than by indictment to the Crown Court.

Frazer’s lawyers were given one week to state whether he will contest the charges.

Releasing him on continuing bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall said she wanted to be told how long the case will take if no guilty pleas are entered.

It was also confirmed that Frazer’s bail conditions are to be varied to enable him to attend a parade in Belfast this weekend.

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson has said Frazer’s actions are deeply offensive.

“He is mocking Muslims and perpetuating stereotypes. The eye patch and hook are also offensive to people with disabilities. By making such a distasteful stunt at a court appearance he is showing disrespect to our Judiciary,” he said.

“It has exposed the nastiness and intolerance of these individuals. As a person who claims to speak on behalf of victims, Willie is making a mockery of the issues he has highlighted.”

Photogallery

Pagina precedente 1 2
Tags

René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

Related Articles

Close