Woman harassed by Metropolitan Police for Publicly Signing Gospel Songs
Harmonie London was performing in London's Oxford Street when a Metropolitan Police special constable told her: “No, miss, you’re not allowed to sing church songs outside of church grounds, by the way”.
Harmonie London a 20-year-old Gospel singer regularly performed in central London. While signing on Oxford Street in London on January 28 she was interrupted by special constable Maya Hadzhipetkova who told her: "No, miss, you’re not allowed to sing church songs outside of church grounds”. Harmonie also told how the officer had threatened to seize her keyboard and speakers if she did not stop singing. Harmonie contradicted her, insisting that she was exercising her right to freedom of thought, belief and religion. She then accused the officer of 'laughing' while she was walking away. The officer then stuck her tongue out.
As a volunteer special constable, Mrs. Hadzhipetkova is part of the executive force. The Met police website states "Specials wear the same uniform and have the same powers and responsibilities as regular police officers and enjoy a variety of roles.".
After a video of the incidence when viral online, the Met police have responded by saying they are "working to understand the context in which these comments were made" through reviewing the body cam footage. Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley defended the volunteer as he said “she’s a volunteer doing her best, who made a mistake”.
Sources: Instagram, LBC, LBC, Mirror, Daily Mail, Premier Chrsitian News, Metro
Image: X (Twitter)