Adam Smith-Connor, an army veteran in England, announced he will appeal his conviction for silent prayer near an abortion clinic. The Crown Prosecution Service released new guidance stating that silent prayer is not necessarily a crime, requiring evidence of overt activity for prosecution. Smith-Connor was previously convicted by Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court in October 2024. The case coincides with the nationwide rollout of buffer zones around abortion facilities in England and Wales. ADF UK supports the appeal, arguing that prosecuting silent thoughts violates freedom of conscience. The CPS guidance aligns with previous statements by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman regarding the legality of silent prayer.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Jeison Higuita on UnsplashPersecuted church
Nearly 58,000 people signed an open letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to safeguard freedom of thought. The appeal follows the conviction of army veteran Adam-Smith Connor for silent prayer near an abortion facility in Birmingham. The letter, organized by ADF International, cites other cases involving Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Livia Tossici-Bolt, and Father Sean Gough. It warns that upcoming national buffer zones, effective October 31, could criminalize peaceful speech and silent reflection. Legal counsel Jeremiah Igunnubole argues the vague legislation threatens democratic rights and creates a slippery slope for censorship in Britain.
Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss and journalist Michael Shellenberger joined more than 100 international advocates in signing an open letter to the Brazilian Congress. The group, coordinated by ADF International, condemns the suspension of the X platform in Brazil following orders by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The letter argues that the shutdown violates free speech and human rights, urging the government to restore access. Signatories include US Attorneys General, UK politicians, and various academics. ADF International also requested intervention from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, warning that such censorship sets a dangerous precedent for other democracies.
Authorities in a Central American nation released eleven pastors and ministry leaders who had been imprisoned on fabricated fraud charges. Human rights organizations deemed the convictions sham trials where no evidence was presented, yet the leaders faced sentences of up to fifteen years and heavy fines. International advocacy groups successfully lobbied for their freedom through regional human rights courts, arguing the detentions violated fundamental religious freedoms. The released individuals arrived safely in a neighboring country, marking a victory for those defending religious liberty against state persecution. The case highlights ongoing struggles for believers in the region.
A Protestant church foundation in Turkey was denied permission to build a new worship center on land zoned for religious use. The local administrative court rejected the foundation's legal challenge, despite the group serving over 100 members in cramped conditions. An international advocacy organization supports the foundation's appeal, citing faith-based discrimination. The outlet reports that Turkish authorities often ignore such requests, claiming lack of authority. This case highlights broader challenges for Christians in Turkey, including deportations of foreign missionaries and restrictions on religious freedom.
Adam Smith-Connor, a British army veteran and father of two, faces a criminal trial at Poole Magistrates’ Court for silently praying near an abortion facility in Bournemouth. Dorset authorities charged him under a Public Spaces Protection Order that bans certain expressions of belief in designated buffer zones. The defense argues that silent thought cannot constitute a crime, citing human rights protections for freedom of conscience. This case marks the third prosecution of its kind in the UK, following similar acquittals for Isabel Vaughan-Spruce and Father Sean Gough. The trial highlights ongoing tensions between local censorship zones and individual religious freedoms as the government prepares to implement similar buffer zones nationwide.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Jonny Gios on UnsplashPersecuted church
United Nations experts have called for the immediate release of a Nigerian man sentenced to death for sharing allegedly blasphemous song lyrics on WhatsApp. The case, currently under appeal at Nigeria's Supreme Court, challenges Sharia-based blasphemy laws in a northern state. An international legal organization supports the appeal. The UN experts expressed concern that the individual has been imprisoned too long for exercising human rights and urged Nigerian officials to review the case promptly. Legal counsel emphasized the need to eliminate oppressive blasphemy laws that violate freedom of expression and religious freedom in the country.
Chris Elston, known online as Billboard Chris, is challenging an Australian censorship order that geo-blocked his X post criticizing a transgender activist’s appointment to a World Health Organization panel. The eSafety Commissioner ordered the removal after a complaint, prompting Elston to file an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in Melbourne. Supported by ADF International and the Australian Human Rights Law Alliance, Elston argues the block violates his right to free speech. The tribunal awaits a response from the commissioner by August 8 before scheduling a hearing. The case highlights broader concerns about government censorship of online speech in Western nations. (Melbourne, Australia)
The European Court of Human Rights ruled in Strasbourg on June 13, 2024, that member states are not obligated to permit assisted suicide. The decision rejected a challenge by Hungarian national Dániel Karsai, who sought to end his life due to a neurodegenerative condition. The court affirmed that Hungary’s ban aligns with the right to life under international law. ADF International intervened, arguing that legalizing such practices risks harming vulnerable citizens. The ruling upholds the right of Council of Europe countries to maintain laws protecting life rather than providing access to assisted suicide.
On May 23, 2024, a group including Brazilian lawmakers, journalists, and ADF International representatives met with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington, DC. They urged the body to intervene regarding severe speech restrictions in Brazil. The delegation highlighted allegations that Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes is targeting free expression, including Christian viewpoints. Attendees such as Michael Shellenberger and Marcel van Hattem argued that these actions violate human rights. The Commission requested further evidence of censorship by Brazilian authorities. This appeal follows a U.S. House hearing on the issue, aiming to hold Brazil accountable for suppressing dissent and media freedom.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has urged the Nicaraguan government to protect the health and rights of eleven pastors imprisoned in Nicaragua. Acting on a petition by ADF International, the commission mandated measures to safeguard the religious leaders, who have been detained for over four months. They were convicted on money laundering charges, receiving sentences of up to fifteen years and heavy fines. ADF International describes the convictions as sham trials lacking evidence. U.S. lawmakers have also condemned the detentions as religious persecution, calling for the immediate release of the ministry leaders from Puerta de la Montaña.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by CHE-CHI LIN on UnsplashPersecuted church
Livia Tossici-Bolt, a retired scientist from Bournemouth, England, is standing trial after being charged with violating a local buffer zone near an abortion facility. The Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council alleges she breached restrictions on expressing views about abortion by holding a sign offering consensual conversations to women in crisis pregnancies. Tossici-Bolt refuses to pay the initial penalty, citing her rights under the Human Rights Act. ADF UK supports her defense, arguing that peaceful, consensual interactions should not be criminalized. The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding free speech and buffer zone laws in the UK.
Members of the European Parliament voted 336 to 163, with 39 abstentions, to endorse a non-binding resolution affirming abortion rights for all who can be pregnant. The measure, passed in Brussels on April 11, 2024, also criticizes doctors' rights to conscientious objection in Italy, Slovakia, and Romania. ADF International stated the resolution has no legal power to change international law or the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights. Adina Portaru, the group's senior counsel, argued that true human rights protection requires supporting both mothers and children rather than promoting abortion.
ADF International and 112 other groups urged US Senate leaders to quickly adopt Resolution 569, which recognizes religious freedom as a cornerstone of foreign policy. The bipartisan measure, introduced by Senators Coons, Lankford, Kaine, and Tillis, calls for holding violators accountable using diplomatic and sanctions tools. The letter highlights severe abuses in Nigeria, Pakistan, Nicaragua, and India, including killings and arbitrary detentions. ADF International supports legal defenses for victims such as Nigerian musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and exiled Bishop Rolando Álvarez. The advocates stress that protecting these rights is critical for global stability and human dignity.
Five cross-party politicians in the United Kingdom have urged the Home Office to explicitly protect consensual conversation and silent prayer within abortion facility buffer zones. This appeal follows the charging of Dr. Livia Tossici-Bolt in Bournemouth for holding a sign inviting discussion. The MPs, including Sir Edward Leigh and Carla Lockhart, argue that current laws create a double standard by criminalizing peaceful religious expression while allowing more aggressive protests. They insist that final guidance under the Public Order Act 2023 must safeguard these basic freedoms to prevent further unjust prosecutions of individuals engaging in benign behavior.
Two pastors in Kaduna State, Nigeria, were fully acquitted in March 2024 after being imprisoned for over three years. The couple had taken in a runaway twelve-year-old Muslim girl at the police's request in 2013. Her family, prompted by an Islamic organization, accused them of kidnapping and proselytizing. The High Court of Justice ruled there was no prima facie case against the pastors. ADF International supported their legal defense, citing religious freedom concerns. The acquittal ends a long legal battle that highlighted discrimination against Christians in Nigeria.
Legal challenges have been filed against two public universities in a northern Nigerian state for indefinitely banning Christian fellowship and worship on campus. ADF International supports the case, alleging violations of religious freedom rights. The universities, one state and one federal, locked Christian facilities while allowing Muslim groups to use similar spaces. Sean Nelson, ADF International’s lead attorney, called the policies unjust and discriminatory. The lawsuits cite the Nigerian Constitution’s protection of religious belief. This action occurs amid broader concerns about religious persecution in Nigeria, where Christians face severe violence and blasphemy laws are used against minorities.
On March 1, 2024, US Senators introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the government to use diplomatic and sanctions tools against nations violating religious freedom. The measure highlights abuses in Nigeria, Pakistan, Nicaragua, and India. ADF International supported the initiative, citing cases such as Nigerian musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez. The resolution criticizes the US State Department for excluding Nigeria from its worst offenders list, a stance condemned by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The Senate action aims to hold violators accountable for attacks on minorities and blasphemy law enforcement.
US lawmakers held a hearing to address religious freedom violations in Nigeria. Testimony highlighted blasphemy laws targeting Christians and minorities, including specific cases of individuals detained under these statutes. An international human rights attorney urged US intervention, citing mob violence and unjust imprisonments. Representatives expressed concern over these severe rights abuses. The group stated the situation is intolerable and called for the US to pressure Nigeria to release those detained for blasphemy. This follows US Congress support for a resolution seeking to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for systematic religious persecution.
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