A jury has withdrawn to consider its verdict in the trial of an asylum seeker accused of threatening to murder the Reform UK leader through a social media video posted during his journey to Britain.
Fayaz Khan, aged 26 and known to his substantial online following as Mada Pasa, stands charged over a TikTok clip he allegedly recorded last October. The defendant entered not guilty pleas at Westminster Magistrates’ Court during earlier proceedings and has remained behind bars throughout the case.
Three key questions for jury
The panel of jurors must now resolve three critical questions: whether Khan’s video constituted a genuine threat to kill, whether he intended Nigel Farage to view the content, and whether the politician would reasonably fear the threat might be executed.
Central to the prosecution’s case is footage showing Khan apparently addressing the Reform leader whilst in Dunkirk, France, before his channel crossing. In the clip, he states: “Englishman Nigel, don’t talk s**t about me.”
The video continues with Khan declaring: “I come to England because I want to marry your sister. I want to come to England to go pop pop pop.”
Throughout the recording, Khan makes gestures mimicking firearms with his hands whilst also appearing to headbutt the camera lens.
Prosecution claims “obvious” threat
Prosecutor Peter Ratliff characterised these actions as a “pretty obvious” threat to kill during his closing submissions to the court. The prosecution team argued Khan possessed “no defence” after choosing not to testify in his own support during the trial.
Defence barrister Charles Royle challenged this interpretation, accusing prosecutors of “just accepting Mr Farage’s version of events” without sufficient critical examination.
Whilst acknowledging the TikTok content appeared “idiosyncratic and attention-seeking,” the defence questioned whether Khan’s performance could legitimately be classified as a credible threat worthy of criminal conviction.
Farage describes “chilling” experience
The Reform UK leader provided testimony on Tuesday, telling Southwark Crown Court that the alleged threats left him feeling “genuinely worried” about his personal safety.
Mr Farage explained his interpretation of the video to jurors, stating he understood Khan to be communicating that he was “coming to England and he was going to shoot me.” The politician described the overall experience as “chilling.”
Defendant claims ignorance of Farage’s identity
Transcripts from Khan’s November 2024 Metropolitan Police interview, read aloud during proceedings, revealed the defendant claimed complete unfamiliarity with the Reform leader.
Khan told investigating officers he “didn’t know who Nigel Farage was” and insisted he “was never going to hurt anyone,” directly contradicting the prosecution’s interpretation of his video content.
Persistent attempts to reach UK
The court heard Khan made ten separate attempts to cross the English Channel before successfully landing on British soil aboard a small boat on 31st October.
During police questioning, Khan explained his motivation for travelling to the UK from Sweden centred on obtaining medical assistance. He specifically wanted an AK-47 rifle tattoo removed from his face, he told officers.
Social media persona defence
Khan sought to contextualise his behaviour by describing his online character to investigators. He claimed making gun-related gestures featured in “every video” he posted to TikTok, forming an integral “part of his character” rather than representing genuine threats.
Before his account was deactivated, Khan reportedly commanded an audience of approximately 340,000 TikTok followers who consumed his content regularly.
The trial’s outcome hinges on whether jurors accept the prosecution’s argument that Khan’s video represented a serious criminal threat, or whether the defence successfully establishes the content merely reflected an exaggerated online persona seeking attention and engagement.
The case highlights broader tensions surrounding immigration, social media culture, and threats against public figures in an increasingly polarised political environment.
Proceedings continue at Southwark Crown Court as the jury deliberates.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
