Police accused of ‘enforcing Sharia law’ on the streets of Britain

A campaign chief has issued a warning that Sharia law is being .

A man who burned pages of a Quran at the memorial to the has had his personal details released by the police, sparking backlash.

Martin Frost, 47, admitted a racially aggravated public order offence for his actions on Saturday as the Manchester Magistrates Court heard that Frost had publicised the filming of the event online before, streaming it on social media.

However, the case has been heavily criticised by free speech campaigners who believe it will leave Frost in a vulnerable situation.

Steven Evans, chief executive of the National Secular Society, told The Telegraph: “[The case] brings us perilously close to reinstating blasphemy laws.

“The police now appear to be enforcing Sharia law on the streets of Britain,” he said.

Greater Manchester Police announced his charge on X, publishing his name, date and the borough where he lives.

General secretary of the Free Speech Union, Lord Young, has condemned the force’s decision to do this, raising concerns in a letter about the defendant’s safety.

Lord Young said the case “should never have been a police matter”, adding the decision to name Frost “may well have placed him in great jeopardy”.

It was revealed in court on Monday that Frost’s daughter died in the -Gaza war which triggered his actions.

Prosecutor Robin Lynch explained how supports gathered close to the Glade of Light memorial where Frost started to rip pages out of the Quran before a passer-by tried to stop him.

Frost then allegedly shouted: “This is what I think of your Quran…Islam has no place in civil society.”

Mr Lynch added: “Then he ripped out pages and said these pages talk about paedophilia and sets that page alight.”

Frost then reportedly threw the book into the river and was arrested following the arrival of the authorities.

The individual who attempted to intervene gave a statement, saying: “I was quite shocked, disgusted and offended. I’m a Muslim. I still can’t believe someone would do this.

“When he began to burn the Quran my heart was about to break out. This is the most emotion I have ever felt.”

Zoe Earle, defending Frost, said: “What triggered what happened recently is that his daughter was killed in the Israeli conflict.

“Her death has had a significant impact on his mental health. His mental health is clearly declining over the last six months.”

The court heard that Frost has 20 prior convictions for 47 offences, yet nothing similar to Saturday’s events.

District Judge Margaret McCormack asked for a pre-sentence report and adjourned sentencing.

She bailed Frost, on condition he does not post anything further on social media and will pass sentence on April 29.

Greater Manchester Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Stephanie Parker said: “We made a swift arrest at the time and recognise the right people have for freedom of expression, but when this crosses into intimidation to cause harm or distress we will always look to take action when it is reported to us.”