The absence of a blasphemy law in the UK has led to a situation reminiscent of Volte’s expression after a rebellion, as the criminal prosecution services sought to intervene.
This week, Hamit Coskun, 50, faced allegations from the UK Criminal Prosecutor’s Office (CPS) for supposedly intending to cause “harassment, alarm or distress” against the “Islamic religious system” by burning copies of the Quran outside the Turkish consulate in London. However, following a brief initiative by free speech advocates, including Coskun’s supporters from the Free Speech Coalition and conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrik, the charges were revised as they were deemed akin to profanity suit.
The blasphemy law was abolished in the UK back in 2008. Coskun’s lawyers pointed out the accusations as a clear misstep, emphasizing that the “Islamic religious system” defines harassment in a specific way against non-adherents.
Coskun clarified that his actions were not an attack on Islam but rather an expression of solidarity with Salwan Mamaika, another Quran burner who was killed in Sweden, while also protesting against Turkish President Erdogan. Captured on camera, the incident showed a man confronting another who was burning the Quran, angrily declaring, “You’re fools. You don’t burn the Quran. This is my faith.”
While CPS’s decision to retract the “blasphemous” charges was celebrated by some, including Jenrik, the victory feels limited, as Coskun still faces accusations related to causing distress and being driven by hostility towards religious groups, Reports Daily Telegraph.
Jenrik commented: “This is encouraging news; it’s a win for free speech. The CPS has retracted claims of causing distress regarding the Islamic system.”
Jenrik expressed significant concern over the renewed charges, arguing that in a society that values freedom, individuals should be able to critique or even mock religion. He noted that the blasphemy law was abolished nearly two decades ago, a decision he supports.
Interestingly, several European nations that eliminated blasphemy laws have experienced pushback, with some religious leaders calling for protection of sacred texts from insults. In Parliament, MP Tahir Ali advocated for prohibiting specific texts and prophets, while Denmark has begun reinstating blasphemy laws.
