Man Denies Charge of Concealing Identity at Protest by Wearing Burqa

A British pensioner has denied concealing his identity at an anti-migrant protest by wearing a burqa, stating his arrest was unlawful. Timothy Miller, 76, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court dressed in a burqa, which he wore to a demonstration on September 12.

Police had warned participants at the protest in Portsmouth that they would arrest individuals wearing face coverings. Around 2,000 protesters gathered in the city following the arrival of a small boat of migrants. Miller pleaded not guilty to the charge of wearing 'a burqa to conceal your identity.'

During the court appearance, Miller, who was not legally represented, questioned why migrants are allowed to enter the UK without religious scrutiny. He asserted that his attire was part of his religious observance and that he would 'advise anyone to put the veil on and live within the veil.' Miller also stated he has an 'inquisitive mind' and believes the UK is 'moving towards an Islamic society,' making conversion advantageous.

When asked by District Judge Stephen Apted to remove the veil for identification, Miller complied but later replaced it. He claimed he had an 'exemption' for 'Islamic' religious observance.

Miller told the court he was studying Islam, describing it as the 'most beneficial religion to be noticed in this climate today.' He questioned why he was being asked about his religion when others entering the country are not subjected to such inquiries. Judge Apted explained that clarifying the basis of his religious observance was necessary to manage the case and that Miller would need to provide evidence that he wore the items for religious reasons.

Miller stated that he believed his arrest was unlawful, asserting he complied with all requests and was visible on all cameras. He added that he was never asked to remove his facial covering at the time of the protest.

The judge noted that Miller had told officers he was converting to Islam. Miller reiterated that he was studying the religion and found it beneficial. He also commented that 'no one else was arrested for the charge,' suggesting a distinction was being made. He added that wearing the veil had given him a greater understanding and that he felt more secure.

Miller, who previously lived in Morocco and has visited Bahrain and Dubai, is seeking crowdfunding for his legal defense. His trial is scheduled for February 16 at the same court.

The police had banned face coverings for the protest last month after a previous anti-immigration demonstration in Dover saw masked individuals block roads. Miller was pictured wearing a niqab at the Portsmouth protest, though the charge specifically refers to a burqa.