Burning a Koran - Court judgement expected on Monday
Burning a Koran - Court judgement expected on Monday
Turkish man who burnt a Koran will hear court judgement on Monday
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sky News
Convicting a man for burning the Koran would be "tantamount to reintroducing a blasphemy law", his defence team has told a court.
Hamit Coskun appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after he allegedly shouted abusive slogans about Islam while burning the holy book outside the Turkish consulate in Knightsbridge, London, on 13 February.
The 50-year-old denies a religiously aggravated public order offence of using disorderly behaviour and an alternative charge of using disorderly behaviour "within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress".
Katy Thorne, defending, said at his trial that the prosecution pursuing the case against Coskun was "seeking to introduce a law unknown to this land, namely blasphemy in relation to Islam".
That this has made it to courts is terrifying and a disgrace. Even if this man is found not guilty, the fact he has been dragged through the courts and named publically (thus endangering his life) is a punishment in itself. No book or religion should be given physical protection, especially not Islam which makes great claims for itself and will seek to kill those who stand up against it. Indeed, for that very reason it is important more so than ever that we protect those who criticise Islam.
I joined the FSU (Free Speech Union) last year and I'm proud to pay that £50 a year which helps many people each year, including this man, face down our corrupt Police, CPS and others who seek to silence people for holding views contrary to the mainstream.
