Far-right activist bailed on ‘hate speech’ charge
THE deputy leader of far-right group Britain First made threatening anti-Islamic comments at a peace wall in Belfast, a court has heard.
Police claimed Jayda Fransen displayed racial hatred by urging people to “rise up against the biggest threat to the entire world”.
The 31-year-old faces a fresh charge over an incident posted on the organisation’s Facebook page earlier this week.
Fransen, who had been arrested after appearing before Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday on separate charges of making a hate speech in the city, was granted bail.
A judge banned her from be- ing within 500 metres of any demonstration or procession as part of her release conditions.
She is accused of using threatening, abusing or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
The charge relates to an incident at a public meeting in the city on Wednesday.
Fransen, of Beeches Close in Anerly, London, had travelled to Belfast this week for a scheduled court appearance over a speech made at a rally in August.
Demonstrators had gathered at City Hall on the same day as a republican march organised to mark the use of internment without trial by the British Army at the height of the Troubles in 1971.
Fransen faces two counts of behaviour intending or likely to stir up hatred or fear by using words which were “threatening, abusive or insulting” in connection with that case.
Britain First leader Paul Golding was detained and charged with similar offences when he arrived at court on Thursday with his colleague.
Released on bail to return next month, he joined other far-right supporters in the public gallery as Fransen entered the dock again to face the new charge against her.
Opposing bail, a police constable claimed she would commit further offences, creating a risk of harm to the public.
He alleged the actions were fuelled by racial hatred and that no conditions would prevent further incidents.