Full Breakdown
High Court Upholds Acquittal of Hamit Coskun in Koran Burning Case
2/28/2026, 8:28:37 AM
Overview of the Case
Hamit Coskun, a Turkish-born man, was acquitted of a religiously aggravated public order offence after burning a Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London on February 13, 2022. His actions, which included shouting “f*** Islam,” initially led to a conviction in June 2022. However, he successfully appealed this conviction at Southwark Crown Court in October 2022, a decision that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) sought to overturn in a recent High Court ruling.
High Court Decision
On February 24, 2023, the High Court dismissed the CPS's appeal to reinstate Coskun's conviction. Lord Justice Warby and Ms Justice Obi stated that the CPS had not presented any compelling reasons to challenge the previous ruling, affirming that the judge's decision was rational and based on a proper evaluation of the facts. The judges noted that the CPS's arguments were merely counter-arguments rather than substantive challenges to the original ruling.
Legal Context and Implications
The CPS's spokesperson clarified that there is no law in the UK against blasphemy, and burning a religious text alone does not constitute a criminal act. The prosecution's case hinged on Coskun's behavior, which they argued demonstrated hostility towards a religious group. However, the High Court's ruling emphasized that freedom of expression includes the right to express views that may offend or disturb others. This decision has been interpreted as a significant affirmation of free speech rights in the UK.
Reactions and Criticism
Following the High Court's decision, various figures expressed their views. Lord Young of Acton, general secretary of the Free Speech Union, criticized the CPS for pursuing the case, suggesting that the Director of Public Prosecutions should resign. Stephen Evans, chief executive of the National Secular Society, called for a review of the CPS's decision to charge Coskun, stating that the attempt to introduce a blasphemy law through prosecution was misguided. He emphasized that while some may find the protest offensive, it was lawful and should not be criminalized.
On-the-Ground Reports
Coskun, who has received accommodation from the Home Office due to threats against him following the protest, expressed relief at the ruling, stating that he feels free to educate the British public about his beliefs. He had previously sustained injuries during an altercation at the protest, where he was attacked by a knifeman.
What's Next
The CPS has indicated that it will review the High Court's decision. The outcome of this case may prompt discussions regarding the boundaries of free speech and the role of the state in regulating expressions that may offend religious sentiments.
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
- “He said: “The High Court has rightly rejected this wrongheaded attempt to introduce a blasphemy law by the back door.” — Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the National Secular Society
- “must include the right to express views that offend, shock or disturb” — Mr Justice Bennathan, Southwark Crown Court
