UK Man Charged for Burning Quran Amid Controversy Over Blasphemy Law Allegations

Hamit Coskun, 50, has been charged with disorderly behaviour after burning a Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London, The New Arab reported. Coskun said his act was in solidarity with Salwan Momika, an Iraqi asylum seeker killed in January 2025 after burning Qurans in Sweden, and as a protest against Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) charged Coskun with behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, citing his shouted remarks targeting Islam. The charge was revised following right-wing backlash, with the CPS stating the original charge was “incorrectly applied” and the updated charge better reflects the alleged offence.

Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick condemned any return of blasphemy laws, abolished in England and Wales in 2008. Humanists UK also criticized the prosecution, warning against new forms of blasphemy charges.

The Muslim Council of Britain condemned Quran burning as inciting hatred and urged restraint, emphasizing respect and tolerance amid the legal and social debate.

Even though Islam advocates for freedom of speech, it seriously upholds the necessity of respect for Divine religions.