Man denies possessing fake AK-47 rifle in video

Image caption, The charges relate to a video that was posted online after unrest broke out in Birmingham following the killing of three girls in Southport
  • Author, Shannen Headley
  • Role, 成人快手 News, West Midlands

A man accused of possessing a fake AK-47 assault rifle in a video with intent to cause members of the English Defence League (EDL) to believe violence would be used against them, has pleaded not guilty.

Habeeb Khan, 49, of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, also denies sending a communication threatening death or serious harm, between 4-6 August, in a video uploaded to social media platform X.

He was remanded in custody after a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

Mr Khan was arrested for posing with the rifle in the online video after unrest broke out in Birmingham in connection to the Southport killings on 29 July.

He is now due to stand trial on 18 November.

The disturbances were triggered by online misinformation suggesting the man charged over the incidents in the Merseyside seaside town was a Muslim asylum seeker.

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