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Christian Concern
UK News

Demonstration planned for street preacher arrested in London

A "peaceful witness" is planned from 2.30pm outside New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service, for Pastor Olu.

The 64 year old, whose full name is Oluwole Ilesanmi, claims he was wrongly detained outside Southgate Underground Station last month.

Organiser, Regan King, said: "Olu's story is not unique. Christians face increasing and wrong pressure by local authorities to stop preaching and telling people of Jesus' good news on the street.

"Public preaching of Jesus Christ has a long history and is an established freedom in our democratic British society. We must stand up to keep it that way!"

Christian Concern

The incident, which took place on 23rd February 2019, prompted a complaint to be made to the Met Police. In a response, the force's local professional standards unit is conducting a review.

Officers say they were called to the scene over "concerns raised about a man's behaviour" and Pastor Olu was briefly held "to prevent a breach of the peace".

He was de-arrested and faced no further action.

Last week, the Mayor of London was quizzed by Christian assembly member David Kurten who said he was "concerned" and "troubled" by footage of the incident which went viral online.

Mayor of London

In response, Sadiq Khan said he expected officers to take the case "seriously".

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