VfJUK: When legitimate protest becomes blasphemy

On 2^nd June this year, Hamit Coskun, a Turkish political refugee who is clearly not a fan of Islam, was found guilty of an aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates Court, after burning a copy of the Koran outside the Turkish consulate in Knightsbridge.  Among other opinions, Mr Coskun had expressed the view that Islam was a religion of terror, and that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was making Turkey a base for radical Islamists.  Alarmed at what he described as the growing Islamification of the country, Coskun fled to Britain two and a half years ago, after having spent ten years in prison for membership of a banned Kurdish political party.  However, though vehement in his condemnation of Islam, Mr Coskun is adamant that his opposition was and is peaceful and that accordingly, under UK law, he has an absolute right to protest.

His burning of the Koran on 13^th February outside the consulate, and subsequent attack by a knife-wielding man, who repeatedly tried to slash him, shouting that he was going to kill him, was filmed and went viral.  Coskun was also kicked and stamped on by a passing delivery man. It would appear, however, that while Coskun was arrested for violent disorderly behaviour, liable to cause alarm and distress, his assailants – one of whom was extremely violent – were not subject to the same opprobrium, even though Coskun had to be taken to hospital.  Instead, the CPS apparently used the attack as justification for prosecuting him, arguing that, as it was his actions that had provoked the disorder, it was he who was to blame.  To spell it out, lest there be any doubt, Coskun was guilty of an offence, because it was his protest that had provoked the violent reaction of those who were offended by what he said.   His knife-wielding assailant, Moussa Kadri, subsequently pleaded guilty to assault, and was due for sentencing on 12^th May – but, interestingly, there appear to be no public updates so far as to the outcome of his trial.

In his defence, Coskun maintained that he was exercising his right to free speech as set down in Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights, by virtue of which he had an absolute right to express his views on Islam.   But District Judge John McGarva was not persuaded.  He said that Coskun demonstrated a clear and deep-seated hatred of Islam and its followers, and knew that his actions would be provocative.  His behaviour was designedly taunting, said the judge, in an area where he knew there were likely to be Muslims who would react angrily.  He was, therefore, to blame both for the disorder that had erupted, and the violent attack on himself.

On which analysis, it would seem to be absolutely fine to burn a Bible outside Westminster Abbey, chop up a Cross in Trafalgar Square, or stage a play that portrays Christ as gay, because, no matter the offence caused to Christians, as Christianity genuinely is a religion of love, it could not be reasonably foreseen that there would be a reaction of violence.  From which we can conclude that any and all criticism of the Koran or Mohammed is prohibited, because Muslims are known to react with violent intimidation to any perceived offence, but you can say whatever you want about the established faith of our country.  This, as has been pointed out in the national press, is dangerously close to making the UK subject to Islamic blasphemy law.

To come at this from a different angle, Coskun’s case says that Islam in the UK ‘deserves’ special protection, because of the predictable reaction of Muslims, offended by what they perceive as irreverence.  This is an insult to religious freedom and the right to free speech, but it is also – profoundly – an insult to Christians who, on this line of approach, are prohibited from voicing any kind of criticism of Islam, and forced into accepting the downgrading of Christ to the position of a prophet, inferior to Mohammed.

Blasphemy laws were formally abolished in England and Wales in 2008, and in Scotland in 2021.  If this is so, how is it we are now allowing them in by the back door, and according Muslims protected and privileged status?   Islam, like Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, or any other religion, must be open to evaluation and criticism, and it must accord respect to the followers of other faiths.  But the one thing it must not be allowed to do, is impose its beliefs onto society by violence and intimidation.
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Help us defend British values and culture

If you haven’t yet done so, please sign and share our petition calling for termination of the interim appointment of Muslim cleric Hamid Patel as Chair of Ofsted, the regulatory body responsible for the oversight of education in England.
NO to Hamid Patel as Chair of Ofsted

Sign here: https://citizengo.org/en-gb/oth/15089

Join us to deliver the petition to the Department For Education on Tuesday, 17th June

Further details to follow

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The Assisted Dying Bill scheduled to return to the House of Commons on Friday, 13th June 

This dangerous and pernicious Bill passed its second reading by 55 votes.  To defeat the Third Reading, all it needs is for 28 MPs to switch their stance.  Already we are seeing increased unease over the Bill’s poor drafting and inadequate safeguards – there is truly all to play for.

Assisted Dying, if passed, will inevitably open the door to State-sanctioned culling of the elderly  and vulnerable.  Say NO today.
Contact your MP … and pray that life will triumph over death

 For help what to say, click here:
https://vfjuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Factsheet-on-Assisted-Suicide-Summary-of-FAQs.pdf ;
https://vfjuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/FAQs-Assisted-Suicide-final-13.11.24.pdf

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The Commission of Inquiry into Discrimination Against Christians (CIDAC)

Consultant cardiologist, blocked from offering abortion reversal treatment to women who regretted taking the abortion pill

If you would like to attend this hearing online, have further information about CIDAC,
or enquire about giving testimony yourself

please email: office@cidac.org.uk

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We are in a battle for the soul of our nation.  Please join us in our Friday fast, to pray in the Lord’s light and reclaim the land.

Operation Sovereign 2025

Every Friday, 8 a.m till 6 p.m

Optional zoom, 5 – 6 p.m.

Login details: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84953506209?pwd=YtcJx0REkUMiBMTM7QYsACkZoXj6qH.1

Meeting ID: 849 5350 6209
Passcode: 933342

Still not too late to register, please email: info@vfjuk.org

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Say No to Woke changes to the national curriculum

Protect the nation’s young from indoctrination. Don’t let ideology wreck British identity and the values on which our nation is founded.

If you haven’t yet done so, please sign and share our petition today:
https://citizengo.org/en-gb/oth/14616 
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Followers of the Way

Join us at 10.30 am on Sunday, 8th June

This week:
Something old … something new

Speaker: Lynda Rose

Registration from 10 a.m. 

Zoom login : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82580763914?pwd=U2uMdaOhHvMca59yUSrggDWiuBBPZk.1

Meeting ID: 825 8076 3914
Passcode: 039007

Catch up with previous FOTW services here: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJZPKP0KwN8-MuXs2IUIPAQ

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