Full Breakdown
Landmark Ruling on Koran Burning Case
2/27/2026, 8:30:09 PM
Overview of the Case
Hamit Coskun, a 51-year-old man, was initially convicted in June 2022 for a religiously aggravated public order offence after he burned a copy of the Koran and shouted derogatory remarks outside the Turkish embassy in London on February 13, 2022. His conviction was overturned by Mr. Justice Bennathan at Southwark Crown Court in October 2022, leading to a subsequent appeal by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) at the High Court.
High Court Ruling
On February 24, 2023, the High Court dismissed the CPS's appeal against the overturning of Coskun's conviction. Lord Justice Warby and Ms. Justice Obi stated that the lower court had adequately considered all relevant factors. The judges emphasized that while the act of burning the Koran may be offensive to many, the right to freedom of expression encompasses the ability to express views that may shock or disturb.
Implications of the Judgment
The ruling has significant implications for free speech in the UK, particularly regarding religious expression. Following the judgment, Coskun expressed relief, stating, “In England, I hoped that I would be free to speak about the damage of sectarian politics and Islamism.” The National Secular Society (NSS) and the Free Speech Union (FSU), which supported Coskun's defense, welcomed the decision, arguing that it reinforces the principle that the state should not police religious sensibilities.
Official Statements & Responses
The CPS maintained that Coskun's prosecution was based on his conduct, which they argued amounted to disorderly behavior rather than an attempt to enforce blasphemy laws. A CPS spokesperson reiterated that there is no legal basis for prosecuting blasphemy in the UK, stating, “Burning a religious text on its own is not a criminal act.” However, they acknowledged the need to review the High Court's decision carefully.
Stephen Evans, chief executive of the NSS, called for a thorough review of the CPS's decision to charge Coskun, emphasizing that criminal law should protect individuals from harm, not from offense. Lord Young of Acton, general secretary of the FSU, criticized the CPS for pursuing the case, suggesting that the Director of Public Prosecutions should resign following what he termed a "humiliating defeat."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the CPS's actions argue that the prosecution represented an attempt to reintroduce blasphemy laws through indirect means. They contend that the case could set a dangerous precedent for limiting free speech under the guise of protecting religious feelings. The NSS and FSU have both called for accountability regarding the CPS's handling of the case, demanding answers to restore public confidence in the legal system.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the CPS argued that Coskun's actions were disorderly and demonstrated hostility towards a religious group, the High Court found no merit in this perspective. The CPS's insistence that the prosecution was not an attempt to introduce blasphemy laws contrasts sharply with the views of free speech advocates who see the case as a critical test of free expression rights in the UK.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He said: “This appeal should never have been brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, just as Hamit should never have been prosecuted.” — Lord Young of Acton, General Secretary of the Free Speech Union
- “Criminal law protects people from harm, not from being offended.” — Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the National Secular Society
- “must include the right to express views that offend, shock or disturb” — Mr. Justice Bennathan
