Protest Against Islamic Extremism
Hamit Coskun set fire to a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London to protest Islamic extremism in his home country, was assaulted, charged with a 'religiously aggravated public order offense,' and convicted. He argues that he was attacking ideas, not people, and warns about the blurring of categories in lawful criticism of religion.
Key Points
- Challenging the blurring of categories between criticism of a religious ideology and hatred towards believers
- Stressing the need for the protection of free speech and the right to criticize religion
- Highlighting the impact of political Islam on secular societies
Pros
- Highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and political protest
- Raising awareness about the impact of religious authoritarianism
Cons
- Being charged with a 'religiously aggravated public order offense'
- Facing assault and violence for expressing a political viewpoint