The Five Demands

Frazer ‘to dress up as Abu Hamza’ (UTV)

Loyalist victims’ campaigner Willie Frazer has said he will show up at his next court appearance dressed as radical Muslim cleric Abu Hamza.

The Markethill man 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 un-notified public procession, obstructing traffic in a public place, and possession of a prohibited weapon, namely a Taser stun-gun.

He is next due to appear in court on 27 September.

Speaking to UTV, Frazer said he would be attending the hearing dressed as Abu Hamza in a protest at the charges he faces.

He said: “The charges against me are a complete farce and make a mockery of the legal system.

“So I have decided to dress as that extremist Muslim hate cleric that the charges were originally designed to protect the public against.”

People will say it is just another stunt, but it’s not, I’m making a point.

Willie Frazer
Abu Hamza came to prominence after preaching extremist views to his followers in London.

In response legislation was introduced against people encouraging others to carry out offences.

After a protracted eight-year legal battle the cleric was deported to the US where he is facing charges related to terrorism.

Hamza’s fiery rhetoric and distinctive appearance, including a long beard, missing eye and prosthetic hooked-hand made him a colourful hate figure for the media.

Frazer added: “I’ll be wearing the beard, hooked-hand and the long shirt he usually wears.

“I’m the first and only person in the UK to be charged with this offence which was originally designed to deal with extremist Muslims – it’s a joke.

“I don’t know what the judge will make of it, or if he will allow me into his court – but we shall see.”