A man convicted for burning a copy of the Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London has voiced his deep fears for his safety following the incident, stating he has received numerous death threats since the protest. Hamit Coskun, 50, was fined £240 for what was deemed a religiously aggravated public order offence, in connection with his actions during a demonstration on February 13. While Coskun has asserted his right to express his views on Islam and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he has also shared feelings of vulnerability and concern for his life, claiming he is now under continuous threat.

During the protest, Coskun positioned himself outside the consulate, shouting phrases including "Koran is burning" and "Islam is religion of terrorism", igniting uproar and leading to a violent confrontation. He was assaulted by an individual, identified as Moussa Kadri, who is due to face charges for this attack. The incident escalated to a point where, just days after the protest, Coskun was targeted in his home, further escalating his sense of peril.

Coskun has received social media messages filled with threats, one stating he should "sacrifice yourself to Koran" and another declaring, "Hail to the courageous man who will make your corpse lie down on the ground." In an interview, he expressed his apprehension about the lack of police support since his arrest in Derby following the protest. He explained, "What really worries and upsets me is the attitude of the police… when I told them I felt unsafe they said there was nothing they could do." This has compelled him to move from his previous residence for security reasons.

Critics have slammed Coskun's conviction as a potential breach of free speech. Prominent figures, including politicians and representatives from organisations such as the National Secular Society and the Free Speech Union, have argued that the ruling could signal the reintroduction of blasphemy laws by the back door, despite the UK government having repealed such statutes in 2008. Coskun has stated his intention to appeal against the ruling, insisting that he stands by his actions as an exercise of democratic freedom.

The Crown Prosecution Service has amended initial charges against Coskun, dropping references to the "institution of Islam," an alteration which was welcomed by some lawmakers who viewed the original charge as a potential violation of free expression rights. Coskun has delineated his views, explaining, "I am an activist. I criticize Islam. I think that Islam poses a threat to the whole world," while emphasising that his protests aim to raise societal awareness rather than incite harm.

As further developments unfold regarding his appeal and ongoing safety concerns, the case highlights critical discussions surrounding free expression, religious sensitivities, and the implications of public protest in contemporary society.

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Source: Noah Wire Services