Nick Griffin, the former leader of the far-right British National Party, has appeared in court accused of stirring up racial hatred by sharing a cartoon online.
Court Appearance Over Antisemitic Imagery
The 66-year-old from Welshpool in central Wales is alleged to have made a ‘threatening, abusive or insulting’ post. The cartoon in question was said to feature a giant spider with a Star of David on its head.
Griffin faces two counts of stirring up racial hatred. The private prosecution has been brought by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Legal Proceedings and Future Dates
Appearing via video-link at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, Griffin learned that a provisional trial date has been set for May 2027.
However, a hearing was held to determine whether his legal team can apply to have the case dismissed entirely. Judge Christopher Hehir ruled that Griffin's lawyers could make such an application at a hearing in April 2026.
The judge ordered Griffin to return to court on that date for the next stage of the proceedings.
Background and Implications
This case highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny of online content deemed to incite racial or religious hatred. Nick Griffin, a controversial figure in British politics who led the BNP for over a decade, now faces serious charges that could result in a significant trial in 2027.
The use of a private prosecution by the Campaign Against Antisemitism underscores the role campaign groups can play in pursuing allegations of hate speech through the courts.
