Overview

• Hamit Coskun was found guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 1 of a religiously aggravated public order offence for burning a Koran and shouting derogatory remarks about Islam.
• He was fined £240 plus a £96 surcharge and warned of a credible threat to his life, leading police to issue an Osman warning and arrange protective measures.
• On June 10, Nick Timothy introduced the private member’s Freedom of Expression (Religion or Belief System) Bill in the Commons to safeguard free speech over religion.
• The proposed legislation would clarify that discussion, criticism or ridicule of any religion cannot constitute harassment under the Public Order Act.
• In a related case, Martin Frost has been charged with the same offence after allegedly burning a Koran outside the Manchester Arena bombing memorial.