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UK Man Who Burned Quran May Seek US Asylum as Trump Administration Reviews Case
The Trump administration is considering offering refuge to Hamit Coskun, a British resident convicted for burning a Quran, if he loses a High Court appeal this week.
- On Tuesday, U.S. State Department officials are preparing to help Hamit Coskun leave the UK or accept him as a refugee if he loses his High Court appeal, The Telegraph reports.
- Coskun, who sought asylum from Turkey, burned a Quran on February 13, 2025, outside the Turkish consulate in Knightsbridge, shouting denunciations after Islamist extremists destroyed his family and he was convicted last year of a public order offence.
- During the incident, a passer-by, Moussa Kadri, attacked Coskun with a blade and kicked him, receiving a 20-week suspended prison sentence; at appeal, Mr Justice Bennathan ruled freedom of expression protects views that offend or shock.
- Critics warn that a loss for Coskun could be the `death` of free speech, risking further transatlantic tensions over free speech amid disputes linked to Britain’s Online Safety Act.
- Coskun says he may `flee` Britain and seek U.S. protection, with officials discussing refugee status if he applies, based on precedent set by Trump for white South Africans.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
One News Page+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Man who burned Quran in London may get US asylum as case draws Trump administration attention
Free speech controversy erupts as the U.K.'s Crown Prosecution Service appeals the overturned conviction of Hamit Coskun, who burned a Quran outside the Turkish Consulate in London.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources21
Leaning Left1Leaning Right9Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Right
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Right
75% Right
C 17%
R 75%
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