The prosecution of a man who allegedly burned a Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London risks 'reintroducing a blasphemy law' in the UK, a court heard today.
Hamit Coskun, 50, allegedly shouted 'f*** Islam', 'Islam is religion of terrorism' and Koran is burning' as he held the flaming Muslim holy book aloft in Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, on February 13.
He pleaded not guilty to a religiously aggravated public order offence of using disorderly behaviour motivated by 'hostility towards members of a religious group, namely followers of Islam' and also denied an alternative charge of using disorderly behaviour.
Turkey-born Coskun, who is half Kurdish and half Armenian, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today for his trial wearing a charcoal hoodie, dark trousers and white trainers.
He travelled from his home in the Midlands on February 13 and set fire to the Koran at around 2pm, the court heard.
