Convicting man accused of setting fire to Quran could ‘reintroduce blasphemy’

Hamit Coskun, a 50-year-old man, faces trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for allegedly burning a Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London while shouting derogatory statements about Islam on February 13. Accused of a religiously aggravated public order offence, Coskun maintains his innocence, with his legal fees covered by the Free Speech Union and the National Secular Society (NSS), who argue that his case raises concerns about the potential reintroduction of blasphemy laws in the UK, threatening free expression. The NSS warns that a conviction could criminalize public protests against religious texts, undermining fundamental rights.

Full Article