Scientology protester avoids prosecution
The 15 year old protester who was summonsed after turning up to an anti-Scientology demonstration with a sign reading “Scientology is not a religion, it’s a dangerous cult” will not be prosecuted, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided.
A statement from City of London Police today sheepishly conceded that its officers have some legal boning up to do. It confirmed the case has been dropped, and said: “The CPS review of the case includes advice on what action or behaviour at a demonstration might be considered to be ‘threatening, abusive or insulting’. The force’s policing of future demonstrations will reflect this advice.”
The CPS said: “Our advice is that it is not abusive or insulting and there is no offensiveness (as opposed to criticism), neither in the idea expressed nor in the mode of expression.”
The BBC reports that the boy’s proud mother called the decision “a victory for free speech”.
Friday 23 May 2008 | Paul | UK
