HomeNewsMan Accused of Burning Quran Has ‘Harassing Islam’ Charge Dropped Following Legal...

Man Accused of Burning Quran Has ‘Harassing Islam’ Charge Dropped Following Legal Backlash

- Advertisement -

A 50-year-old man alleged to have set fire to a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish consulate in west London has had a key charge against him withdrawn, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed this week.

Hamit Coskun, from Derby, had initially been charged in February with racially aggravated harassment of the religion of Islam—a decision that sparked backlash from legal experts and public figures, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick and the National Secular Society.

Critics argued the original charge appeared to create a “blasphemy law by stealth”—a controversial step 18 years after the UK formally abolished laws against religious blasphemy.

- Advertisement -
Man Accused of Burning Quran Has ‘Harassing Islam’ Charge Dropped Following Legal Backlash
Mr Coskun denies all charges against him. Pictured: a file photo of the Turkish Consulate on Belgrave Square in London

In a letter to the CPS on Thursday, Mr. Jenrick called for an urgent review of the charge, describing it as legally unfounded and potentially setting a dangerous precedent. By Friday, the CPS announced a revised charge would replace the previous one, though it denied any connection to political pressure.

READ MORE: New Proposal Resurfaces to Transform Former Gravesend Pub into Mosque

According to the updated charge, Mr. Coskun is now accused of racially aggravated harassment, alarm, or distress, allegedly motivated by hostility towards individuals of the Islamic faith. The case now centers on accusations that Coskun publicly held up the burning Quran while shouting inflammatory remarks, including “F*** Islam” and “Islam is a religion of terrorism.”

- Advertisement -

Mr. Coskun denies all charges.

Mr. Jenrick commented on the development via social media, stating:

“The CPS have rightly dropped the charge of causing alarm to the ‘religious institution of Islam’—a legal fiction with no foundation. However, the revised charge still raises concerns about creeping blasphemy laws returning under a different name.”

A CPS representative clarified the decision, saying:

Man Accused of Burning Quran Has ‘Harassing Islam’ Charge Dropped Following Legal Backlash
Hamit Coskun, 50, (pictured), allegedly set fire to the Muslim holy book outside the Turkish consulate, in west London , in February

“Blasphemy laws no longer exist in England and Wales. This case remains under review. However, the language of the original charge was incorrect, and we have amended it to reflect the alleged criminal conduct more accurately.”

The prosecution maintains that Coskun’s actions constitute a criminal offence under hate crime legislation due to the alleged intent to intimidate or incite hatred against followers of Islam.

- Advertisement -

The case continues, with Mr. Coskun due to appear in court at a later date.

- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest News

Keep exploring...

Unlocking the Mysteries of Bait-ul Ma’mur: What Every Muslim Needs to Know

Bait-ul Ma'mur, often referred to as the "Frequented House" or the "Heavenly Sanctuary," holds a significant place in Islamic tradition and spirituality. It is...

How To Compensate “Baadi And Qabli”

In the realm of Islamic worship, the act of prayer, or Salah, holds a central and revered position. It is considered one of the...

Explore More Articles

Welcome to the enlightening realm of our Islamic Articles Page – a digital sanctuary where knowledge, spirituality, and the rich tapestry of Islamic culture converge. In an era where information flows ceaselessly and the world seems to spin faster each day, our platform stands as a steadfast beacon of wisdom and reflection.