An Afghan migrant who crossed the Channel to Britain on a small boat has been sentenced to five years in prison after posting a TikTok video threatening to kill Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Hundreds of thousands of people viewed the video, which Fayaz Khan, 26, uploaded last October. In it, he appeared to threaten to shoot Mr Farage, saying “pop, pop, pop,” while making gun gestures.
During sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, Khan shouted from the dock that Mr Farage was “using” him for political purposes. “You want to be prime minister, that’s why you’re using me,” he yelled.
As he was led away to the cells, he continued shouting, claiming he wanted to return to Afghanistan rather than remain in the UK. “Send me back to Afghanistan, my family is there,” he said, adding, “You want to put me in prison just because you want to be prime minister.”
Outside the courtroom, Mr Farage welcomed the verdict but expressed serious concern that Khan could be released within 18 months. “This violent criminal will soon be walking free, housed at taxpayers’ expense, while his asylum claim is still being judged,” he said.
Video Response to Farage Clip
The court heard that Khan’s TikTok was filmed after Mr Farage released a YouTube video titled “The journey of an illegal migrant.” In the clip, Mr Farage discussed Khan’s arrival in the UK and raised concerns about “young males of fighting age” entering the country.
In response, Khan posted his own message, saying: “Englishman Nigel, don’t talk s*** about me. You don’t know me. I came to England because I want to marry your sister.” He then warned: “Don’t talk about me more. Delete the video. I’m going to pop, pop, pop.”
Chilling Gestures and Threats
Prosecutors said Khan made several aggressive gestures while filming, including simulating gunfire and headbutting the camera. He also pointed to an AK-47 tattoo on his face “to make it clear he wasn’t joking.”
Detective Constable Liam Taylor told the court that Khan had “live-streamed” his illegal Channel crossing from France before his arrest on October 31 last year.
Farage’s Reaction During Trial
Mr Farage told the court last week that he found the video “pretty chilling.” He said: “Given his apparent love of guns, I was genuinely worried for my safety.”
After nearly 12 hours of deliberation, jurors returned a guilty verdict. During Tuesday’s sentencing, Khan asked his lawyer to apologise to Mr Farage and his sister for any offence caused.
False Identity and Criminal Past
Prosecutor Peter Ratliff revealed that Khan had used multiple identities. While known as Fayaz Khan in Britain, Swedish authorities identified him as Fayaz Husseini, aged 31. It is believed he gave a false name in the UK to conceal a lengthy criminal record in Sweden.
Court documents showed Khan had 17 prior convictions for 12 separate offences, including knife possession and threatening behaviour.
Judge Condemns Threats
In sentencing, Mrs Justice Steyn told Khan that he saw the widespread sharing of Mr Farage’s YouTube video as a threat to his attempts to stay in the UK. “Your response was one of anger and menace, not remorse,” she said.
Khan was also convicted of entering the UK illegally, having pleaded guilty to the charge earlier in the proceedings.
The case has reignited debate over migrant vetting and public safety, with critics questioning how an individual with a serious criminal record abroad was able to enter Britain undetected.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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