In a shocking incident, a convicted terrorist sued a pub five years later, claiming he was ‘deeply offended’ by a sign.
A former terrorist convict has taken legal action against a Buckinghamshire pub after claiming to be “deeply offended” by a sign outside the venue.
The man, who previously served time for disseminating Jihadi propaganda, is demanding almost $2,500 in damages.
He argues that the pub’s sign features a racist depiction that incites violence, which has led him to file a lawsuit.
Convicted terrorist sues pub over offensive sign
Khalif Baqa, a convicted terrorist, has filed a claim against the Saracen’s Head Inn in Chesham.
The pub, located in a small town in Buckinghamshire, is one of many establishments with this name.
Baqa alleges that the pub’s sign, which features an image of a bearded man with Arab or Turkish features, is racist and promotes violence.
The former convict claims that this depiction of a “bearded Arab/Turk” has caused him significant distress and demands #2,350 in compensation.
The pub responded to the incident.
Landlord Robbie Hayes, 52, has dismissed the lawsuit as a “complete joke.”
He explained to The Sun that the pub has been called The Saracen’s Head for over 500 years and that the sign is historically accurate.
“None of my customers are racist,” Hayes added, expressing frustration over the lawsuit.
He believes the name and sign, rooted in the history of the Crusades, are not offensive.
Previously, convicted terrorist Baqua spent over four years in prison.
Baqa, who was imprisoned for four years and eight months after being convicted of distributing terrorist publications, has expressed a long-standing issue with pub names like Saracen’s Head.
He argues that the term “Saracen,” historically used to refer to Arabs, was later associated with Muslims during the Crusades.
While, he claims the sign’s depiction made him feel “worried and fearful,” describing it as xenophobic and inciting violence.
In his legal filing, Baqa claims that he attempted to visit the pub on four separate occasions but was unable to enter.
However, pub staff have no recollection of these visits. Baqa has now taken his case to a small claims court.
He is requesting compensation for what he views as harm caused by the sign.
The name’s historical context
The term ‘Saracen’ dates back to the fifth century and was used to refer to Arabs.
It was later adopted during the Crusades. Additionally, the Saracen’s Head Inn itself was established in 1530, more than 500 years ago.
The name is one of the most popular pub names in the UK, alongside others like the Red Lion. Despite Baqa’s objection, it remains a fixture in British pub culture.
Baqa’s lawsuit has brought attention to the controversy surrounding historical pub names and their potential for offense in modern society.
The pub’s landlord defends the historical significance of the name.
Additionally, the case raises questions about how cultural sensitivities evolve over time.
The Saracen’s Head Inn has yet to comment on the lawsuit, and further legal developments are expected.