The authorities are “frozen in indecision about whether they’re really expected to prosecute somebody’s silent prayers”, according to an Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International lawyer, a Christian legal advocacy group.
Jeremiah Igunnubole’s comments, reported by The Daily Telegraph, concern Isabel Vaughan-Spruce who has been under investigation for allegedly breaching an abortion buffer zone after silently praying. No charges have yet been brought.
A CPS spokesperson confirmed to en that it received a file of evidence from West Midlands Police in relation to allegations of harassment in the Birmingham area in 2025. He added: “Following a review, we have been in contact with the police and set them an action plan for further investigative materials which has been completed. We continue to receive further materials on this case.”
‘Prayer cannot be a crime’
Vaughan-Spruce told The Daily Telegraph: “Silent prayer cannot possibly be a crime – everyone has the right to freedom of thought.” She has asked the director of public prosecutions to intervene. West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster has also written to the chief constable to express concern.
CPS guidance says prosecutors should clearly identify an “overt act” when considering whether to charge someone.
