Christian pastor arrested while preaching has charges dropped in ‘win for free speech’
A Christian pastor has had his hate crime investigation dropped by Avon and Somerset Police.
Evangelical pastor Dia Moodley, who has received backing from the White House, was detained in November 2025 on suspicion of inciting religious hatred following a public sermon in which he criticised Islam and transgender ideology.
Mr Moodley hailed the decision to drop the case as a victory for freedom of expression.
"I'm glad Avon and Somerset Police decided to eventually do the right thing and drop their criminal investigation," he said.
"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."
Mr Moodley was arrested on November 22 on suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence and assault by beating.
According to his legal representatives at the Alliance Defending Freedom, he had been delivering a sermon comparing Christian theology with other faiths, including Islam, whilst also addressing transgender ideology.
Video footage reportedly showed the pastor pushing away a bystander who had grabbed at his speaker's wire, prompting her to contact police.
Mr Moodley claimed investigators questioned him under caution about why he had chosen to preach in an area where Muslims would be present, and whether criticising transgender ideology was appropriate.
Despite being released without charge, Mr Moodley avoided public preaching until Easter, fearing further arrest.
During his Easter sermon on April 4, he alleged a Muslim bystander threatened him after he compared Jesus to Mohammed, noting that only Jesus rose from the dead.
Footage appeared to capture a man warning: "If you do that again bro, we'll send the boys round we'll have someone have a word with you."
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When Mr Moodley reported the incident, officers allegedly declined to investigate, citing insufficient evidence and stating the remarks, whilst unpleasant, did not constitute an offence.
The pastor accused the force of "two-tier policing", stating: "Avon and Somerset Police have arrested me twice because my lawful speech was seen as offensive to some Muslims and people with a progressive world-view.
"Meanwhile, the police have shockingly failed to investigate violence and threats against me."
Mr Moodley's case attracted attention from Washington, where concerns about free speech in Britain have been mounting. He was among activists who met US State Department officials dispatched to the UK in March last year.
His lawyer, Jeremiah Igunnubole of ADF International, called for urgent reform: "The war of attrition against free speech in the UK, demonstrated in Pastor Dia's case, must end.
"Censorial laws need to be repealed urgently, and stronger protections, including a free speech bill, are needed to reverse the growing culture of censorship within law enforcement."
Mr Moodley is weighing legal action against the force and has pledged to continue his public ministry.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman confirmed inquiries had been conducted but insufficient evidence existed to pursue a criminal investigation.
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