ALBAWABA - An elderly onlooker brutally attacked a guy who was trying to burn a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish embassy in London. The event happened at Knightsbridge's Rutland Gardens, and the video was extensively shared on social media.
Standing close to the consulate's barriers, the suspect was seen clutching a burning book while wearing a hood and carrying a rucksack. A few seconds later, an old guy stepped in, kicking him repeatedly and knocking him to the ground. In addition, the assailant seemed to spit on him before grabbing the blazing book.
The Daily Mail said that the old guy then seemed to be trying to stab the suspect while he was still on the ground by brandishing a knife. Later, the authorities verified that the person who tried to burn the Quran was not stabbed but rather had a finger injury. On suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and committing serious bodily injury, authorities detained another individual.
The suspect had announced his intention to burn the Quran in London on the internet before the event, claiming that he was doing it "for Salwan Momika." In 2023, Momika, an Iraqi immigrant, gained notoriety after setting a copy of the Quran on fire outside a mosque in Stockholm. Later, he was discovered shot dead in a Södertälje, Sweden, apartment.
Similar occurrences in Europe have sparked demonstrations and diplomatic difficulties, and the attempted burning of the Quran in London coincides with current discussions about hate speech and freedom of expression. The London event and the people involved are still being looked into by the authorities.
