Northern Irish Protestant charged with hate speech -- but no Muslims have been

Protestant Coalition founder Willie Frazer appeared outside court today dressed as Abu Hamza in a protest against his prosecution under what he called 'hate preaching' laws.

The loyalist leader arrived at Belfast's Laganside court wearing a black robe, skullcap, and fake beard, and he had attached a clothes-hanger hook to one of his hands.

Frazer, 53, who faces charges linked to union flag demonstrations in January, donned the outfit in protest against his prosecution under the Serious Crime Act 2007, which he says was passed to deal with Muslim hate preachers.

In a video statement filmed outside the court, Frazer said: 'I'm the first person within the United Kingdom charged with this law that was brought in to deal with extreme Muslims who were preaching to behead our soldiers.'

'This law was brought in to deal with extreme creatures of hate, Muslim creatures who look to behead British soldiers, and I get charged with it,' he said.

Frazer, from Markethill, Co Armagh, is accused of encouraging others to commit offences in an address to union flag protesters in January.

He also faces charges of three counts of taking part in an unnotified public procession, obstructing traffic in a public place, and possession of a Taser stun-gun.

He was given one week to decide whether to contest the charges and released on bail, the conditions of which were varied to allow him to attend a loyalist parade in Belfast this weekend.

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