A violent confrontation unfolded outside the Turkish Consulate in London on Thursday, February 13, 2025, when a man protesting by burning the Koran was attacked by a knifeman.
The incident, which took place in Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, saw the protester setting a book on fire in front of the consulate before being knocked to the ground by an attacker.
Footage of the scene shows the man holding the burning book, which he waved around in a provocative manner.
Moments later, the attacker, who was dressed in a hood and carrying a rucksack, violently kicked the protester to the ground and snatched the book from his hands.
The assailant then brandished a knife and appeared to attempt a slashing motion at the man while he lay on the ground.
Police were quickly on the scene and arrested the attacker, a 30-year-old man, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.
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Despite being taken to the hospital, the protester suffered only minor injuries to his finger and was not stabbed. He later claimed on social media that he was protesting against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, alleging that Turkey is becoming a hub for radical Islam.
The protester also explained that he burned the Koran to support Salwan Momika, who was killed in Sweden in 2023 after burning the Koran outside a mosque in Stockholm.
The incident has raised questions about freedom of expression and the controversial nature of such protests.
Police have continued their investigation into the attack, with the suspect remaining in custody as authorities work to gather more details.
