Former BNP leader Nick Griffin made an appearance at a London crown court today where he pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting racial hatred through a cartoon shared on social media. The 67-year-old, who headed the BNP from 1999 to 2014, is facing a legal action initiated by activists from the Campaign Against Antisemitism. At Southwark Crown Court, Griffin formally denied two allegations – displaying material likely to incite racial hatred and disseminating material likely to provoke racial hatred. The case has been adjourned by Mr. Justice Swift for trial scheduled to commence on May 11 next year. Griffin, residing in Welshpool, Powys, is being accused in connection with a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) that featured a cartoon depicting a large spider with a Star of David on its head. The post, deemed “abusive or insulting,” was shared on social media on December 6, 2021, with accusations that Griffin intended to fuel racial animosity.
Throughout the day-long court session, Griffin sat alongside his legal representative and is expected to return for the trial. Photographers captured his early arrival at the crown court near London Bridge station, where he appeared cheerful and at ease as he entered the courthouse.
In a previous report by the Mirror, Griffin expressed his desire for what he referred to as British nationalists to enlist in the Army as reserves for military training in anticipation of a potential “civil war.” He suggested that individuals should join the Army Reserve to receive lawful military instruction and financial compensation, emphasizing the benefits of trained individuals over those involved in extremist fringe organizations that engage in limited physical training.