Attacker Admits Assault on Quran Burner — But Denies Holding the Blade
A man filmed kicking and slashing a protester who set fire to the Quran outside the Turkish Consulate in London has pleaded guilty to assault, but will face a separate trial over the knife used in the attack.
Moussa Kadri, 59, of Kensington and Chelsea, admitted attacking Hamit Coskun, 50, during the shocking incident outside Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, on 13 February. But despite widespread footage appearing to show him holding a large knife during the assault, Kadri denied possession of a bladed article when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Video Production News associate cameraman AY_Audits was there at the scene when this unfolded and filmed the whole incident, clearly showing the knife being carried by the man, he gave us this following statement with reference to that day:
“As a cameraman, I observe and document events without interpretation — to simply capture what unfolds before the lens. On the day in question, I witnessed and filmed, in high-resolution 4K, a man entering flats near the Turkish Consulate in London after reportedly observing the burning of a Quran nearby. Moments later, the same individual emerged visibly holding a knife. This was not a fleeting moment — it was clearly observable and recorded in full detail, alongside other eyewitnesses.
While I cannot comment on the legal arguments made in court, I can say with confidence that the visual evidence I captured provides a clear, unbroken record of the events as they happened, It is now for the Court to properly assess the facts, and I trust that the footage, along with corroborating witness statements, will assist in that process.”
Prosecutor Kathryn Hughes told the court that Kadri had “left a nearby building carrying a large bread knife” before launching an attack on Coskun, who was filmed burning a Quran as part of what the court heard was a “protest”.
The weapon charge — under Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 — carries a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment.
Kadri, who was wearing blue jeans and a navy jacket in court, spoke only to confirm his name and address and to enter his pleas. The case was sent to Southwark Crown Court, where he will be sentenced for the assault and stand trial for the knife offence on 12 May.
Kadri was granted conditional bail, with a restriction that he must not contact Coskun directly.
Coskun, from Derby, has been charged with religiously aggravated harassment and is due to go on trial himself at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 28 May.
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing
As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:
ACCESS TO THE LAW: Possession of a Bladed Article
Under UK law, carrying a bladed article in public without a valid reason is a serious offence, governed by Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988. A bladed article is defined as any object with a blade or point that can cause injury or harm, such as a knife.
Possession of a bladed article in public without lawful authority or reasonable excuse can lead to a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment. This law is part of broader efforts to combat knife crime, which has become a pressing issue in many parts of the UK.
In cases like this, where video footage clearly shows the accused in possession of a weapon, the charge is often taken very seriously by the court. While Kadri has admitted to assaulting the victim, the denial of possessing a knife, despite clear evidence, will likely be a key point in the upcoming trial at Southwark Crown Court.
This case highlights the importance of understanding the laws surrounding knife possession, as well as the potential consequences for those found in violation of them.