Brighton man denies encouraging terrorism by telling mosque worshippers 'Jihad is compulsory'

An alleged extremist has told jurors it is Boris Johnson's turn to cover his face, after the Prime Minister compared Muslim women to "letterboxes".

Abubaker Deghayes, 53, is accused of encouraging terrorism when he addressedworshippers at the Brighton Mosque and Muslim Community Centre on Sunday November 1 2020.

Giving evidence at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, he explained why he had referred to Mr Johnson's comments about face coverings in his speech to around 50 people, including children.

Deghayes said: "I'm talking about how circumstances are ruled by Allah. Now he (Mr Johnson) is putting a cloth on his face because of circumstances."

Defence barrister Tom Wainwright said: "What cloth was he putting over his face?"

Deghayes replied: "The face mask. Not only he is wearing the face mask but places the policy and obligation that everybody wears the mask."

Judge Nigel Lickley asked: "You are talking about a coronavirus mask covering your face?"

Deghayes responded: "Yes."

Later in his speech at the mosque, Deghayes allegedly said that violent jihad is compulsory, and made a stabbing gesture.

In a video shown to jurors, Deghayes said: "Jihad is fighting by sword. That means this Jihad is compulsory upon you, not Jihad is the word of mouth but Jihad will remain compulsory until the Day of Resurrection..."

The bearded defendant gave evidence wearing a black hooded top bearing a "Free Palestine" slogan on it, similar to one he was seen wearing in the video.

Deghayes, of Saltdean in East Sussex, denies a charge of encouraging terrorism.