A man named Habeeb Khan from Birmingham appeared in court for allegedly threatening Tommy Robinson and the English Defence League with a fake AK-47 in a social media video. The charges against him included possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, sending threats of death or serious harm, and verbally abusing a police officer. The video in question was circulated on social media on the same night as a rumored far-Right rally in Birmingham, which never happened.
In the video, the masked man could be seen wielding what looked like an AK-47 and threatening Tommy Robinson, saying, “Hey, Tommy Robinson, you want to play rough? I’ll blow you away!” He then proceeded to load an ammunition clip into the rifle and threatened the EDL, stating, “EDL, we are going to come and f****** blow you away.” The man was later identified as Habeeb Khan.
During a court hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, Khan was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence to the EDL, sending threats of serious harm, and verbally abusing a police officer. He pleaded not guilty to possession of an imitation firearm, and the other charges were sent to Birmingham Crown Court. The judge remanded Khan in custody until his next court appearance on Wednesday, August 14.
The incident involving Khan’s threats and the fake AK-47 occurred in the midst of tensions surrounding a rumored far-Right rally in Birmingham, which led to a group of Muslim men gathering in the Bordesley Green area to confront the rally that never materialized. This highlights the ongoing issues of extremism and tensions between different groups in the community.
The use of fake weapons and threats of violence, even if not carried out, can have serious consequences and lead to criminal charges. It is essential to address such behavior and ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions. The court’s decision to remand Khan in custody reflects the seriousness of the charges brought against him.
Overall, this incident underscores the importance of promoting tolerance, understanding, and peaceful dialogue among different groups in society to prevent further escalation of tensions and conflicts. It serves as a reminder of the need to address extremism and hate speech in all forms to maintain a harmonious and inclusive community for everyone.
