Free speech upheld in ‘Muslim area’

A police officer defended a Christian preacher’s right to free speech in Whitechapel, East London, amid verbal protests and being told that the area is “Muslim”.

In video footage, the female officer can be heard saying, surrounded by a group: “In this country, we have freedom of speech, the same way you guys have your freedom of speech.” A male member of the group responds, and uses the phrase: “This is a Muslim area.”

“I understand you guys don’t want to hear it. I would recommend you just move away and don’t listen to him,” the officer later says. “You guys don’t need to see eye-to-eye, you don’t need to agree, and you’re all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but they’re not being aggressive.”