27/09/2013

Loyalist Campaigner Attends Court Dressed As Abu Hamza

A loyalist campaign has appeared at Laganside court in Belfast dressed as Abu Hamza.

Willie Frazer is facing charges in connection with demonstrations in January over Belfast City Councils decision to only fly the union flag on designated days, bring it into line with the rest of the UK.

The 53-year-old appeared for a court date wearing a black robe, skullcap, fake beard, an eye-patch and a hooked hand.

It is understood that Frazer picked the costume to protest at being charged under legislation that he claims was brought in to deal with militant Islamic preachers.

Another prominent Loyalist, Jamie Bryson, appeared alongside Frazer wearing a long black wig and with white tape across his mouth.

In a statement made by Frazer before entering court he claimed that peaceful Protestant/Christian protesters from Northern Ireland are the only people on the UK to be charged under "hate preaching laws".

According to some reports Frazer removed his costume before entering court.

He is due to appear again next week.

(MH/CD)

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