Today at the Old Bailey, a man has admitted preparing to murder a Christian preacher at Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner in an Islamic inspired terrorist attack.
Edward Little, 21, from Brighton, was carrying £5,000 with which he hoped to purchase a firearm, a passport and two phones when he was arrested last year.
It was alleged his intended target was Hatun Tash, who regularly argued with other speakers, and her camera crew, as well as any police or soldiers.
He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh jail.
Earlier this year, Mr Little denied preparing to commit acts of terrorism, but changed his plea and admitted the charge on Friday (19 May.)
Little was on his way into London in a taxi when he was stopped and arrested on 23 September 2022.
He had asked the driver if he could stop and pray at a mosque, although the driver had said there was not one on the way.
Responding to the ruling Hatun Tash, who is director of the ministry Defend Christ Critique Islam (DCCI) said: “l am glad that the police were able to act and stop Mr Little before he harmed me and people around me. This should concern everyone in the UK.
“This story shows that the teaching of Islam is not compatible with British Values if it inspires men to attempt to murder Christian evangelists.
“I should be able to practice my right to preach the gospel and critique Islam, or anything else that I disagree with, especially at Speakers’ Corner, the home of free speech.”
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which has supported Hatun when she has been wrongfully arrested by the police, said:
“It will be a surprise to many that even here in the UK there are such risks for those who dare to challenge Islam. But as this case highlights that is the reality and Christians often bear the brunt of such hostility.
“That is why our work at the Christian Legal Centre in defending Christian preachers and freedom of speech is so important, and why we continue to call for the authorities to take these threats seriously. It is a privilege to stand with Hatun and other Christians like her.”
In October 2022, the Metropolitan apologised and admitted it ‘fell below standards’ following two wrongful arrests of Hatun Tash at Speakers’ Corner, London.
In July 2021, Hatun was stabbed by a man in Islamic dress at Speakers’ Corner in front of the police. The assailant was not caught and has still not been brought to justice.