A knife-wielding man who attacked a demonstrator burning a Quran in the UK has been released from custody as the victim of the attack has been charged with a hate speech crime.
Footage posted to social media that went viral this week showed Moussa Kadri, 59, from Kensington and Chelsea attacking Hamit Coskun, 50, after Coskun was burning a copy of the Quaran near the Turkish consulate in London. Kadri was charged with causing actual bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon after he was seen thrusting at Coskun with the knife and kicking him on the ground.
Coskun was charged with a hate speech law that outlaws the "intent to cause against religious institution of Islam, harassment, alarm or distress" and was released on conditional bail on Saturday, to appear in court on May 28. Kadri bailed out and will appear for a hearing on Monday at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court, according to the Independent.
In the footage, Coskun is shown burning the book, when Kadri runs up to the man, swinging a large knife at him. The victim of the attack attempted to shield himself with the burning book. As Coskun attempts to flee, he trips on the pavement, dropping the book, which is then snatched up by Kadri, who proceeds to kick and spit on Coskun as he lies in the street.
A passing biker also stopped to kick Coskun when he was on the ground. Kadri also threatened the man holding the camera in the incident.
