Woman forced off public street by police while praying

Case information
Incident date
Country
United Kingdom
Place
Bournemouth
Categories
  • Government Restrictions
Attack Against
  • Morals
Societal Sphere
  • Governmental
Religious Freedom / Discrimination
  • Freedom of Expression
  • Freedom of Religion
Place of Incident
  • Public Street
Bias Indicators
  • Comments/Written Statements/Gestures/Graffiti
  • Victim/Witness Perception

Livia Tossici-Bolt, a 63-year old charitable volunteer, has filed a complaint against officers who forced her off a public street where she was peacefully praying and holding a sign. While the officers accused her of breaching the local "buffer zone" legislation, Mrs. Tossici-Bolt was actually not standing within the zone, as video evidence confirms.

On December 18, Mrs. Tossici-Bolt filed a complaint against the officers who forced her to "move on" from where she was standing while praying and holding a sign reading "Pregnant? Need help?". A video shows that she was remaining outside the "buffer zone" around the local abortion facility in Bournemouth. The officers also asked Mrs. Tossici-Bolt if she was praying.

Sources