Ex-BNP leader sent 'racist' cartoon tweet, court told
Nick Griffin was chairman of the British National Party from 1999 to 2014
- Published
The former leader of the British National Party has appeared in court accused of two counts of stirring up racial hatred.
Nick Griffin, 66, shared a cartoon on social media in 2021 that was "threatening, abusive or insulting", it is alleged.
Griffin, of Welshpool, Powys, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court via video link and did not indicate any pleas.
He was released on unconditional bail to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 22 December.
The ex-Member of the European Parliament is being privately prosecuted by the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA).
It is one of several cases recently brought to court by the group.
Donal Lawler, for the CAA, said the cartoon was posted on Griffin's X account - then called Twitter - when he was a "high profile individual" with tens of thousands of followers.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said on Wednesday: "If convicted, the powers of this court would be insufficient.
"I therefore formally send your cases to Southwark."