Muslim EDL member fined for abusing Asians at Bradford rally

Abdul Rafiq, 43, admitted using threatening language and behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

But he is free to continue his activities with the far-right group after magistrates declined to impose an Anti-social Behaviour Order.

A court heard Rafiq, of Glasgow, was arrested at an EDL rally in Bradford, on the afternoon of October 12.

Mike Vittis, prosecuting at Leeds Magistrates Court, said: “The defendant was seen talking to a group of Asian males about being British. A policeman who was at the scene tried to usher the defendant away from the situation. He then started to swear and tried to pull a Union flag out of his bag.”

Rafiq claimed that the men were threatening him, telling him he should not be in the EDL.

Rafiq told the court: “There were about ten and them and one of me. The argument was about me being part of the EDL, even though I’m Muslim.”

Rafiq, who has four brothers and four sisters, said: “The Muslim community does not like me for my EDL membership.

“They made me an outcast. I cannot go to Muslim areas any more and I get death threats online.”

Rafiq was fined £110 after admitting the public order offence. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £20 and a contribution to prosecution costs of £85.