by Charles Hymas, Telegraph
The state is stifling criticism of Islam because of fears of a violent mob reaction, a senior MP has claimed.
Nick Timothy, a front-bench Tory MP, issued the warning ahead of his Bill aimed at protecting free speech and the right to criticise religions, including Islam, being presented before Parliament on Tuesday.
It follows the conviction of Hamit Coskun, 50, for setting fire to a Koran outside the Turkish consulate in London earlier this year while declaring that Islam was a “religion of terrorism”.
He was found guilty of committing a racially aggravated public order offence during a peaceful protest.