Khaberni - A British appeals court - on Friday - acquitted a person who was convicted in June/July of last year of burning a copy of the Holy Quran in front of the Turkish consulate in London.
Hamid Koskun (51 years old), born in Turkey, was convicted of public disorder with an increased penalty due to incitement to religious hatred.
On February 13th last year, Koskun chanted phrases offensive to Islam, then burned a copy of the Quran outside the headquarters of the Turkish consulate in London.
Today, a judge at the Southwark Criminal Court in London canceled the fine of 240 British pounds (284 euros), citing freedom of expression and the lack of a blasphemy penalty in British law.
Judge Joel Benathan commented on the decision, saying "Burning the Quran may be a deeply shocking and highly offensive act for many Muslims. However, criminal law does not prevent people from being offended, even if the offense is severe. The right to freedom of expression, as a legitimate right, must include the right to express offensive, shocking, or disturbing opinions."
In the original trial, the public prosecutor confirmed that the defendant was not prosecuted for burning the Quran itself but for committing an act of public disorder.
But the judge who ruled on the case on Friday was not convinced that "the defendant’s behavior caused a disturbance, or that it was witnessed by someone who could potentially have been harassed, distressed, or upset" because of his act.
Koskun, born to a Kurdish father and an Armenian mother, residing in central England, denied the charge and said via social media that he was protesting against the Turkish government.
While he was raising a copy of the burned Quran, he was attacked by a man carrying a knife who kicked him and spat on him.
