A Christian street preacher arrested in Bristol for allegedly inciting religious hatred has had the police investigation dropped in what his legal team describe as a 'win for free speech'.
Arrest and Investigation
Dia Moodley, 58, was arrested in November 2025 after delivering a street sermon that criticised Islam and transgender ideology, according to his legal counsel, the faith-based Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) UK. Avon and Somerset Police subsequently dropped the hate crime investigation on April 8, stating that 'no further action will be taken'.
Mr Moodley welcomed the decision, asserting that it was a victory for free speech and that he should never have been investigated in the first place. 'I never should have been arrested, treated like a criminal and investigated for months for peacefully sharing my faith in the public square,' he said.
Details of the Arrest
Mr Moodley was arrested on November 22 on suspicion of a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence and assault by beating. His lawyers claim he was held for eight hours. The arrest occurred after he had been preaching against transgender ideology and comparing Christianity's teachings to other religions, including Islam. He was released on bail with conditions that temporarily banned him from entering Bristol over Christmas.
Avon and Somerset Police visited the pastor again in January and invited him to attend a voluntary interview under caution. His legal counsel, Jeremiah Igunnubole, stated in February that Mr Moodley's arrest for 'peacefully commenting on Islam and transgender ideology' demonstrated that police were using public order legislation to impose 'de facto blasphemy laws' in Britain.
Previous Incidents
This was the second time Mr Moodley had been arrested, following a previous incident in March 2024. On that occasion, he was arrested after commenting on Islam and stating that biological sex was binary while preaching outside the University of Bristol.
Mr Igunnubole highlighted a pattern of behaviour from Avon and Somerset Police, who he claims have targeted Pastor Dia for his peaceful expression and failed to investigate serious crimes committed against him by those who objected to his speech. 'The police must stop their two-tier approach of criminalising lawful speech,' he said. 'There has long been a pressing need for Parliament to pass legislation to ensure the right to freedom of expression is robustly protected in this country.'
Concerns Over Definition of Anti-Muslim Hatred
Mr Igunnubole also expressed concerns about the government's efforts to finalise a broad and ambiguous definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred', which he fears could censor legitimate speech related to Islam. 'Pastor Dia's case shows how authorities can misconstrue peaceful comments on Islam as 'hateful' and criminal,' he added.
Easter Sermon Incident
During Mr Moodley's Easter sermon on April 4, he claimed a Muslim bystander threatened him after he compared Jesus to the Prophet Mohammed, stating that only Jesus rose from the dead. Footage appeared to show a man saying: 'If you do that again bro, we'll send the boys round … we'll have someone have a word with you.' Avon and Somerset Police allegedly refused to investigate the man, citing insufficient evidence and deeming his comments 'unpleasant' but not constituting an offence.
Mr Moodley criticised the police for failing to investigate threats against him while arresting him twice for lawful speech. 'This is the definition of two-tier policing and must end,' he said.
Mr Moodley's Preaching and Past Restrictions
In his preaching, Mr Moodley has described Islam as 'lies' and 'darkness', while portraying Christianity as 'light'. He has also claimed the Bible is 'the truth' and the Koran is 'not true'. In 2021, he was banned from 'passing comment' on any other faith and from giving sermons without police approval. He was also among activists who met US officials in March last year amid concerns in Washington that free speech in Britain was under threat.
