Muslim Who Attacked Koran Burner Spared Jail, Citing Religious Protection

A London man, Moussa Kadri, 59, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after a heated confrontation in which he attacked a protester who was publicly burning the Koran. The case has ignited a wider debate about religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the boundaries of public protest.

On a day in February, Hamit Coskun, 51, was engaged in a protest outside the Turkish consulate in Knightsbridge. Eyewitnesses and video footage confirmed that Coskun was holding a flaming copy of the Islamic holy book, the Koran, while shouting anti-Islamic slurs, including "f--- Islam" and "Islam is a religion of terrorism." This deeply provocative act, which he later stated was a protest against what he called the "Islamist government" of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was a public display of desecration that is considered a grave offense by Muslims worldwide.

Moussa Kadri, a resident of Kensington, emerged from a nearby building and was immediately confronted by the sight. In a moment of intense emotional and religious provocation, Kadri approached Coskun, threatening him and then slashing at him with a bread knife. During the scuffle, caught on camera by a bystander, Kadri could be heard yelling, "This is my religion," and "You don't burn the Koran." He chased Coskun, who fell to the ground, and then spat at and kicked him. Kadri later told police that his actions were an attempt to protect his faith.

At Southwark Crown Court, Judge Adam Hiddleston acknowledged the profound impact of Coskun’s actions on Kadri. He noted that Kadri's reaction, while "disgraceful," was fueled by a "deeply offensive act on a holy book." The judge also highlighted that Kadri's behavior was out of character and that he had shown genuine remorse. Taking these factors into account, Judge Hiddleston sentenced Kadri to a 20-week prison term, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, Kadri must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 10 days of rehabilitation, and pay court costs of £150.

For Muslims, the act of burning the Koran is an act of deep disrespect and blasphemy. In Islam, the Koran is considered the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Its sanctity is paramount, and any desecration is viewed as a direct attack on their faith. The immediate and visceral reaction from Kadri, as well as the widespread outrage expressed by many in the Muslim community over similar incidents in other countries, underscores the emotional weight attached to such acts. The court's decision, while holding Kadri accountable for his violence, also appears to recognize the immense provocation he experienced, reflecting the complex and sensitive nature of balancing religious respect with the right to protest.

For Muslims, the Quran is the central religious text of Islam, considered to be the verbatim word of God (Allah) as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Its importance goes beyond a book of religious teachings; it's a guide for all aspects of life, including law, ethics, and morality. The Quran's sanctity is absolute, and its reverence is a fundamental part of a Muslim's faith. As such, any act of desecration, like burning, is considered deeply offensive and blasphemous. This reverence is not just a cultural practice but a core tenet of the religion itself, and protecting the Quran is seen by many Muslims as a defense of their faith and identity.