Pastor Dia Moodley, an evangelical preacher, was detained by Avon and Somerset Police on 22 November 2025 in Broadmead while responding to questions from onlookers. According to reports from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, which is representing him, Moodley discussed theological differences between Christianity and Islam, as well as his belief in the sex binary and opposition to transgender ideology.
Police arrested him on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” and a racially or religiously aggravated public order offence under the Public Order Act 1986. He was held for approximately eight hours before being released on bail, with initial conditions restricting him from entering the city centre until 30 December (later lifted). Officers later visited his home for further questioning as part of an ongoing investigation that, as of early April 2026, had not yet resulted in formal charges.
This marks the second known arrest for Moodley related to his street preaching. In March 2025, he faced threats of arrest while comparing Christianity and Islam and holding a Quran. On that occasion, bystanders reportedly responded aggressively — with one attempting to assault his wife and another threatening him with a knife — yet Moodley was the one taken into custody for several hours, while no assailants were charged, according to ADF and other reports. Police also reportedly destroyed his signs during one incident.
Moodley and his supporters have criticised what they call “two-tier policing,” alleging that authorities are quicker to act against Christian preachers expressing doctrinal views than against those who respond with violence or threats. ADF legal counsel Jeremiah Igunnubole described the case as police using public order laws to impose “de facto blasphemy laws” in Britain, arguing that peacefully sharing Christian perspectives should not be criminalised.
The pastor, who has a heart condition, said the repeated police actions have had a “profoundly negative effect” on him. He has paused street preaching at times, including over Christmas and ahead of Easter, due to fears of further arrest. As recently as April 2026, reports indicated he was considering returning to public preaching despite the risks.
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed the arrest but provided limited public comment beyond stating it followed complaints about the content of Moodley’s preaching. Critics of the arrest argue it reflects broader tensions in the UK over free speech, particularly when Christian preachers address Islam or social issues in public spaces.
Supporters of Moodley maintain he was simply answering questions honestly about doctrinal differences — such as Christian teachings on Jesus versus Islamic views of Muhammad — without calls for violence or hatred. Opponents view such open-air criticism of Islam as inflammatory and potentially harmful to community relations.
The case has drawn attention from Christian advocacy groups and free speech campaigners, who see it as part of a pattern of selective enforcement in the UK. No mainstream reports have confirmed the specific claim in the viral image that a man threatened Moodley with a knife during this November incident (that detail appears linked to the earlier March 2025 event), though violence against him by crowd members has been alleged in previous encounters.
As the investigation continues, Moodley’s legal team is exploring potential action against the police. The incident has reignited debate over where the line should be drawn between protected religious speech and incitement under British law.
This remains a developing story, with Moodley reportedly planning to resume preaching in Bristol despite the ongoing police scrutiny.
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