In a win for free speech, police have dropped the criminal investigation into Christian Pastor Dia Moodley, who was arrested for commenting on Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching in Bristol last November.
Pastor Dia was arrested for peacefully sharing his Christian views in the public square on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” and committing a Section 4A religiously aggravated public order offence under the Public Order Act 1986.
That was the second time Avon and Somerset Police have arrested the pastor for commenting on Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching. After his first arrest in March 2024, the police also dropped their investigation.
After more than four months of criminal investigation, Avon & Somerset Police informed Pastor Dia that “no further action will be taken”, following his arrest. ADF International supported the pastor’s legal defence.
However, this does not take away from what the pastor endured. He was subjected to arrest, eight hours in a police cell, a police visit to his home, interrogation at the police station and the initial imposition of bail conditions that banned him from entering and therefore preaching in Bristol city centre over Christmas.
Pastor Dia said:
“I’m glad Avon and Somerset Police decided to eventually do the right thing and drop their criminal investigation. This is a win for free speech, but I never should have been arrested, treated like a criminal, and investigated for months for peacefully sharing my faith in the public square.
“Avon and Somerset Police have arrested me twice because my lawful speech was seen as offensive to some Muslims and people with a progressive worldview. Meanwhile, the police have shockingly failed to investigate violence and threats against me, committed by those who object to my speech. This is the definition of two-tier policing and must end.
“What has happened to this country, that police ignore clearly criminal incidents like this most recent one—which I perceived to be a threat of violence—and choose instead to criminalise Christian speech? I am now consulting with my legal team about taking legal action against Avon and Somerset Police, for the violation of my rights.
“I will continue to share my faith publicly, undeterred by the police’s censorship and the threats and violence I have faced and will stand for free speech not just for myself, but for the rights of all people in the UK.”
None of this would be possible without the support of people like you. We remain fully committed to standing with Pastor Dia as he considers legal action against the police for these violations of his rights and their failure to protect him from serious crime.
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