An Afghan migrant who threatened to kill Nigel Farage has been sentenced to five years in prison.The 26-year-old, Fayaz Khan, posted a video on TikTok in October 2024 where he made a gun gesture with his hand and named the leader of Reform UK.
Speaking outside Southwark Crown Court, Farage hailed the verdict as a "win," stating that the "violent criminal" had been jailed.Farage was present during the trial and described the threat as "pretty chilling," expressing concern "because of his proximity to weapons and love of guns."
The TikTok Threat and Its Aftermath
During the trial, the court heard that Khan, who had a face tattoo, pointed to it in a video on his TikTok account and said he would "pop, pop, pop" Farage, referring to him as "Englishman Nigel." Following the sentencing, Farage remarked, "The only reason we know about this guy is because someone sent it to me on TikTok. It makes me wonder how many other 'madapasas' are there now in this world."
Khan was one of 65 migrants who arrived in the UK via a small boat crossing the English Channel. Prosecutor Peter Ratliff noted that the defendant had livestreamed the journey, which attracted a large online audience.
Criminal History and False Identity
The court heard that Khan had given a false name to UK authorities, claiming it was because he had "enemies" he did not want to find him. However, the court found it more likely that he had misrepresented his identity due to a criminal history in Sweden.
Khan had previously been arrested 17 times in Sweden for offenses including wielding a knife, abusive conduct, and vandalism. In June 2019, he was also jailed for threatening a public servant.
Farage had previously posted a video titled "the journey of an illicit migrant," which featured Khan and questioned why "young males of combat age" were entering the country when "we know very little" about them. Two days later, Khan posted the threatening TikTok video directed at Farage, saying, "You don't know me. I came to England to marry with your sister. Don't talk about me more. Delete the video. I'm coming to England. I'm going to pop, pop, pop."
Judgement and Sentencing
Khan's barrister stated that the defendant wished to apologise to Farage and his sister for "any offence and distress caused." Khan was also sentenced to an additional eight months in prison for illegally entering the UK, a charge to which he had already pleaded guilty.
Nicholas Coates of the Crown Prosecution Service stated, "Elected politicians must be allowed to practice their jobs without fear of harm or assault, and we'll make sure that those who want to intimidate them have the full force of the legislation."
