Turkish Government Denies Targeted Deportation of Christian Missionaries; Accuses European Parliament of ‘Interference’  

  • Turkish Foreign Ministry dismisses overwhelming 502–2 vote as “baseless,” despite mounting scrutiny over expulsions of Christian missionaries from the country 
  • European Parliament voted to condemn use of Turkish security codes to expel Christians; this followed European Court of Human Rights recent decision to take 20 cases of missionaries expelled from Türkiye; the majority of which are legally supported by ADF International 

Strasbourg (17 February 2026) — The Turkish government has formally rejected the European Parliament’s recent resolution condemning targeted expulsions from the country “carried out under unsubstantiated national-security pretexts and without due process” for foreign Christians, in addition to journalists. 

In a statement issued on 13 February, a day after the vote, Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the resolution as containing “unfounded allegations” and characterized it as interference in the country’s internal affairs. 

The European Parliament adopted the resolution by an overwhelming margin (502 votes in favor and 2 against) signaling broad cross-party concern over what lawmakers described as the misuse of national security frameworks to restrict fundamental rights, including freedom of religion. The resolution followed the European Court of Human Rights’ decision at the beginning of February to take up 20 cases involving foreign Christians who were expelled or banned from re-entering Türkiye. 

These cases, the majority of which are supported by ADF International, stem from the Turkish government’s use of security codes, typically reserved for terrorist activity, to designate peaceful foreign Christian residents as threats to national security and block them from entering or remaining in the country despite longstanding lawful residence. The missionaries deported come from several countries across Europe, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany. More than a dozen are originally from the United States.  

“The Turkish government’s rejection of the European Parliament’s vote shows a clear lack of respect for its human rights obligations.When a government weaponizes national security mechanisms to target peaceful missionaries and faith communities, they must not be allowed to act with impunity.”

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

European Parliament addresses expulsion of missionaries

The European Parliament resolution specifically addresses the expulsion of foreign Christian missionaries, all legally residing in the Türkiye and many of whom were long-term residents of the country, through security codes that have resulted in deportations, re-entry bans, and loss of residency status. Lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of transparency, limited judicial review, and restricted access to evidence in these cases. 

During the debate on the resolution European Member of Parliament Sokol (EPP) stated:  

“These deportations of Christians in Türkiye for reasons of national security are one more attack on Christians, the most persecuted religious minority around the world. (…) The EU cannot talk of human rights and then remain silent when Christians are facing problems in Africa or persecution in a neighboring country. We must stand up for freedom of religion everywhere without any double standards. (…) Türkiye must put a stop to these deportations of Christians.”  

Cases of Expelled Christians Now Before the European Court of Human Rights 

The 20 pending cases before Europe’s top human rights court challenge the compatibility of the security-based expulsions with human rights protections for religious freedom, family life, and due process under the European Convention on Human Rights. 

The government’s use of these codes effectively labels individuals as a “threat to public order and security,” a classification normally reserved for terrorism suspects. However, those targeted have no criminal records and no evidence of unlawful conduct—the only thing that they have in common is openly practicing and sharing their Christian faith. 

The 2024 Human Rights Violation Report presented by the Protestant Church Association records 132 people who have been arbitrarily branded with an entry ban code, preventing them from entering Türkiye solely on the basis of their Christian faith. The total number of those affected is 303, according to the report. 

ADF International provides legal support to affected individuals seeking justice before the European Court of Human Rights and calls on Turkish authorities to ensure that security measures are applied consistently with international human rights obligations. 

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Police arrest Christian pastor and visit his home after he commented on Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching

Photo of Pastor Dia arrested in handcuffs for peaceful preaching.
  • Pastor Dia Moodley has been arrested twice for peaceful street preaching
  • Police visited pastor at his home after latest arrest
  • Pastor Moodley is considering legal action against the police, with the support of ADF International
Photo of Pastor Dia arrested in handcuffs for peaceful preaching.

BRISTOL (16 February 2026) – Police arrested and visited a Christian pastor’s home after he peacefully commented on Islam and transgender ideology while street preaching in Bristol city centre.

Pastor Dia Moodley, 58, was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police officers last November in Broadmead on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” under the Public Order Act 1986 for his speech, despite the fact that he had merely publicly shared his Christian views.

The pastor, who suffers from a heart condition, was held in a police cell for eight hours before being released under censorial bail conditions banning him from entering and therefore preaching in Bristol city centre over the Christmas period.

The bail conditions were dropped after Pastor Moodley made representations to the police, but two police officers later visited his home on Thursday 8 January, questioned him further on the November incident and invited him to a voluntary interview under caution.

With the support of his legal team, Pastor Moodley is considering whether to attend the interview. The pastor is currently waiting to hear whether he will be criminally charged for his peaceful speech.

ADF International is providing legal support to Pastor Moodley, who is considering legal action against the police for the violation of his free speech rights.  

This is the second time Avon and Somerset Police officers have arrested Pastor Moodley for peacefully street preaching.  

In March 2025, the pastor was twice threatened with arrest for “breaching the peace”, after preaching about the differences between Christianity and Islam while holding a Quran.  

He was the victim of assault on that occasion by Muslim bystanders and one man even threatened to stab the pastor. The police have not charged any of the individuals who assaulted him. 

The pastor met with the US State Department prior to that incident in March, at a meeting facilitated by ADF International, and spoke about his experience as a victim of censorship in the UK.

Pastor Moodley said: “This latest arrest has had a profoundly negative effect on me and has been extremely challenging personally.  

“I am a law-abiding citizen and it feels surreal that the police have criminalised me so harshly and repeatedly merely for peacefully expressing my Christian views in the public square. 

“Unfortunately, I believe that the police view me, a Christian pastor, as an easy target and are afraid of others being offended by my lawful speech. This is two-tier policing in action.”

Legal Counsel for ADF International Jeremiah Igunnubole said: “Pastor Dia’s arrest for peacefully commenting on Islam and transgender ideology shows police are using public order legislation to impose de facto blasphemy laws in the UK.  

“This is far from an isolated incident. It is part of a clear pattern of behaviour from Avon and Somerset Police, who for years have targeted Pastor Dia for his peaceful expression in the public square and have failed in their duty to investigate serious crimes committed against him, by those who objected to his speech.    

“The police must stop their two-tier approach of criminalising lawful speech. There has long been a pressing need for Parliament to pass legislation to ensure the right to freedom of expression is robustly protected in this country. 

“Pastor Dia’s case is all the more pressing as the government finalises its broad and ambiguous definition of ‘anti-Muslim hatred’, which risks censoring legitimate speech related to Islam. 

“Pastor Dia’s case shows how authorities can misconstrue peaceful comments on Islam as ‘hateful’ and criminal. This misconstruction will be repeated unless clarity is provided to preserve the ability of citizens to peacefully comment, discuss and criticise in accordance with their core beliefs.”  

After Pastor Moodley’s first arrest in March 2024, the police also unlawfully instructed that his signs, which he used while street preaching, be destroyed. The police have failed to even acknowledge his formal request for compensation for the signs.  

Previously, police tried to censor Pastor Moodley from commenting on any religion besides Christianity while street preaching. Avon and Somerset Police dropped these restrictions and admitted they were “disproportionate” after Pastor Moodley launched a legal challenge with the support of ADF International.  

November 2025 arrest 

On 22 November, Pastor Moodley was engaging in street preaching in Bristol city centre on two topics: the reality of the sex binary and the falsehood of transgender ideology, and the theology of Christianity compared to other religions, including Islam.

He often engages in dialogue with members of the public during street preaching and the vast majority of his interactions are positive, even if the people he speaks with hold different views. 

On the day, Pastor Moodley had a respectful conversation on Islam with three young Muslim women. 

Later on, one couple objected to Pastor Moodley’s views on transgender ideology.

The woman called the police and two officers then arrived and solely focussed on the accounts of bystanders who objected to the pastor’s preaching.

The police refused to engage with the pastor and members of his congregation and hear their account of what had happened.  

The police then arrested Pastor Moodley on suspicion of “inciting religious hatred” and committing a “religiously aggravated” offence under the Public Order Act 1986, for peacefully expressing his Christian views.

The pastor has a heart condition and was sweating visibly due to the stress of the situation.  

He asked for the handcuffs to be placed at the front of his body and not behind his back, which would make it difficult for him to breathe. The police officer initially appeared annoyed and reluctant to consider the request but eventually agreed.  

Pastor Moodley was held in a police cell for eight hours before being released.  

The bail conditions initially imposed on Pastor Moodley banned him from entering the city centre until 30 December.  

These were only overturned on 17 December and prevented him from preaching in the busiest part of the city for most of December, stopped him from attending to an important pastoral matter and disrupted his personal life. 

Read more about Avon and Somerset Police’s past targeting of Pastor Moodley here, here and here.

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Pictured: Pastor Dia Moodley, Pastor Moodley being arrested in November 2025, Legal Counsel for ADF International Jeremiah Igunnubole

Brazilian court hears case of veterinary student facing up to 10 years in prison for “transphobic” social media comments  

  • Isadora Borges has been criminally charged for comments shared on X about gender ideology; the first hearing in this case took place yesterday.
  • Case draws online attention after Elon Musk retweeted a post about the prosecution; ADF International is providing legal support for her defence. 

BRASÍLIA (11 February 2026) — A Brazilian woman, Isadora Borges, appeared yesterday before a federal court after being criminally charged for posting comments on social media expressing her views on gender ideology, exposing her to a possible prison sentence of four to ten years. 

In November 2020, Borges made two posts on X (then Twitter), peacefully expressing her views on gender ideology. One comment stated that “transgender” women “were obviously born male.” Another stated: “A person who identifies as transgender retains their birth DNA. No surgery, synthetic hormone, or clothing change will change this fact…” 

Her comments quickly gained attention online, and prompted Erika Hilton, a self-described “transgender” politician, to report Borges for “transphobia” to the federal police. 

In September 2025, Borges was notified of the criminal charges brought against her. She was accused of two counts of “transphobia,” with each count carrying a punishment of 2–5 years in prison.  

Ahead of the February 10th hearing, Borges’ case sparked online attention after Elon Musk reposted an X post about the case. 

At the hearing, the federal prosecutor asked limited questions concerning whether the posts were published on Borges’ own social media profile. The judge indicated that the comments appeared to reflect personal opinions rather than discriminatory intent and granted the defence five days to submit written conclusions, allowing for further consideration of the legal and factual issues before any decision is made. 

“Today’s hearing gave me hope. I am grateful that the court took the time to listen carefully and consider the facts. I spoke out peacefully on an issue that I care about, and I remain hopeful that the court will recognize my right to express my views and speak the truth without fear of criminal punishment.”

- Isadora Borges

“While we are still awaiting a final decision, today’s hearing held promising signs that the court will uphold Isadora’s right to free speech,” said Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for ADF International, which is providing legal support to Borges.  

“The judge has allowed the defence time to submit written conclusions, signaling that the court intends to carefully consider the facts rather than rush a judgment. Yet, the state of free speech in Brazil is extremely dire, and we are deeply concerned for Isadora and all Brazilians who face threat of criminal sanction for exercising their basic human right to speak freely.” 

ADF International is providing legal support to Borges, standing for her fundamental right to freedom of expression and that of all Brazilians. 

“Today’s hearing gave me hope,” said Isadora Borges. “I am grateful that the court took the time to listen carefully and consider the facts. I spoke out peacefully on an issue that I care about, and I remain hopeful that the court will recognize my right to express my views and speak the truth without fear of criminal punishment.” 

Growing Pattern of Censorship in Brazil

Since a 2019 ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal equated “homophobia” and “transphobia” with the crime of racism—without legislation passed by Congress—individuals across Brazil have increasingly faced criminal investigations and prosecutions for peaceful expression. Cases such as Isadora Borges’ have become more common over the last year in Brazil.  

In 2025, social media influencer Isabella Cepa faced criminal investigations for her online post about gender ideology. Similarly, Nine Borges (not related to Isadora Borges) is under criminal investigation for “transphobia” for posting an Instagram video drawing attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organisations in Brazil, which included criticism of Symmy Larrat, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary. 

In another case, Assemblies of God Pastor Douglas Baptista faced criminal charges for authoring a book with a Christian view of sexuality. His case was legally supported by ADF International. Charges in his case were dropped, but they remain evidence of the broader, chilling trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression. 

ADF International also represents five Brazilian legislators (Senator Eduardo Girao and members of the Chamber of Deputies Marcel Van Hattem, Adriana Ventura, Gilson Marques, and Ricardo Salles) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The legislators are challenging violations of their free speech rights before the Commission. They claim violations of their rights under the Convention, including their freedom of expression, as a result of escalating state censorship which reached a head with last year’s X ban in Brazil during the municipal elections period. Censorship in Brazil has been a persistent and escalating problem since 2019. 

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Brazilian Veterinary Student Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Social Media Comments on Gender Ideology 

Brazilian veterinary student facing prosecution in Brazil for gender ideology comments
  • Brazilian woman is facing criminal prosecution for comments shared on social media gender ideology; hearing is set for February 10.
  • Case highlights Brazil’s escalating censorship of peaceful expression; ADF International is providing legal support in her defence.
Brazilian veterinary student facing prosecution in Brazil for gender ideology comments

BRASÍLIA (9 February 2026) — A Brazilian woman, Isadora Borges, is facing criminal prosecution after posting comments on social media expressing her views on gender ideology, exposing her to a possible prison sentence of four to ten years. 

In November 2020, Isadora Borges made two posts on X (then Twitter), peacefully expressing her views against gender ideology. One comment stated that “transgender” women “were obviously born male.” Another stated: “A person who identifies as transgender retains their birth DNA. No surgery, synthetic hormone, or clothing change will change this fact…” 

Her comments quickly gained attention online, and prompted Erika Hilton, a self-described “transgender” politician, to report Borges for “transphobia” to the federal police.  

In September 2025, Borges was notified of the criminal charges brought against her. She was accused of two counts of transphobia, with each count carrying a punishment of 2-5 years in prison. The case is now moving to trial, with a hearing date set for tomorrow, February 10. 

“No one should face a decade behind bars for expressing an opinion on a matter of public concern,” said Julio Pohl, Legal Counsel for ADF International, which is providing legal support to Borges. “Weaponising Brazil’s expansive ‘transphobia’ laws to punish peaceful expression is a profound violation of freedom of speech.” 

“I commented on the issue because I care about the truth and protecting women.  No one should ever fear going to prison for recognizing biological reality. I hope that my case can serve as a turning point in fighting censorship in Brazil. Brazilians deserve the freedom to speak openly without punishment.”

- Isadora Borges

ADF International is providing legal support to Borges as she seeks to defend her fundamental right to freedom of expression without fear of prosecution. 

“I commented on the issue because I care about the truth and protecting women. No one should ever fear going to prison for recognizing biological reality,” said Isadora Borges. “I hope that my case can serve as a turning point in fighting censorship in Brazil. Brazilians deserve the freedom to speak openly without punishment.” 

Growing Pattern of Censorship in Brazil

Since a 2019 ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Tribunal equated “homophobia” and “transphobia” with the crime of racism—without legislation passed by Congress—individuals across Brazil have increasingly faced criminal investigations and prosecutions for peaceful expression. Cases such as Isadora Borges’ have become more common over the last year in Brazil.  

In 2025, social media influencer Isabella Cepa faced criminal investigations for her online post about gender ideology. Similarly, Nine Borges (not related to Isadora Borges) is under criminal investigation for “transphobia” for posting an Instagram video drawing attention to concerns about the financing and influence of pro-LGBT organisations in Brazil, which included criticism of Symmy Larrat, Brazil’s LGBT National Secretary. 

In another case, Assemblies of God Pastor Douglas Baptista faced criminal charges for authoring a book with a Christian view of sexuality. His case was legally supported by ADF International. Charges in his case were dropped, but they remain evidence of the broader, chilling trend of government efforts in Brazil to censor peaceful online expression. 

ADF International also represents five Brazilian legislators (Senator Eduardo Girao and members of the Chamber of Deputies Marcel Van Hattem, Adriana Ventura, Gilson Marques, and Ricardo Salles) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The legislators are challenging violations of their free speech rights before the Commission. They claim violations of their rights under the Convention, including their freedom of expression, as a result of escalating state censorship which reached a head with last year’s X ban in Brazil during the municipal elections period. Censorship in Brazil has been a persistent and escalating problem since 2019. 

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Top European Court Takes Up Cases of Christians Banned from Türkiye

  • European Court of Human Rights formally communicates 20 cases of Christians banned from Türkiye solely for living out their faith
  • ADF International supports 17 cases, highlighting serious, systemic human rights concerns

Strasbourg (5 February 2026) — The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has formally taken up and “communicated” 20 cases brought by Christians whom Türkiye effectively banned from re-entry solely for living out their faith.

These cases — almost all supported by ADF International — stem from the Turkish government’s use of internal security codes such as “N-82” to label peaceful foreign Christian residents as threats to national security, blocking them from entering or remaining in the country despite long-standing lawful residence.

Since 2019, Turkish authorities have issued internal security codes like “N-82” and “G-87” to hundreds of foreign Christians, preventing them from re-entering Türkiye after trips abroad or denying them residence permits. These measures have affected at least 160 foreign workers and their families — estimated to be hundreds of individuals — many of whom lived and served in Türkiye for decades.

The ECtHR has jointly communicated these cases to the Turkish Government, indicating that the Court considers the applications sufficiently related to be examined together and has invited Türkiye to submit its observations as the proceedings move forward.

“Peaceful worship and participation in church life are not threats to national security. Yet foreign Christians in Türkiye — pastors, teachers, ministry workers, and missionaries — have been labelled security risks and expelled based on undisclosed files,” said Dr. Lidia Rider, Legal Officer for ADF International. “Deprived of access to the allegations, they had no meaningful opportunity to defend themselves in courts. The Court’s communication of these cases is a crucial step toward accountability and redress.”

Discrimination Behind the Numbers

The government’s use of these codes effectively labels individuals as a “threat to public order and security,” a classification normally reserved for terrorism suspects. In practice, however, those targeted have no criminal records and no evidence of unlawful conduct — the only thing that they have in common is openly practicing and sharing their Christian faith.

The 2024 Human Rights Violation Report presented by the Protestant Church Association records 132 people who have been arbitrarily branded with an entry ban code, preventing them from entering Türkiye solely on the basis of their Christian faith. The total number of those affected is 303, according to the report.

Reports of similar measures affecting many foreign Protestant Christians show that these cases are not isolated, but point to a wider pattern of systemic discrimination. The cases raise serious questions about fundamental rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights — including freedom of religion, family life, and protection from discrimination  — and highlight the need for clear, evidence-based decisions when governments invoke public order or national security, especially given the severe disruption these sudden and unexplained bans have caused to long-term residents and their families.

Real People, Real Consequences

Among those affected are long-term residents such as Pam and Dave Wilson, who served in Türkiye for almost 40 years before being barred from returning; Rachel and Mario Zalma (pseudonyms to preserve anonymity), whose ministry work led to an N-82 designation after attending a church conference; and David Byle, a Christian minister forced into exile after 19 years of service.

These bans have not only separated families from the communities they helped build but also left local churches without stable leadership, weakening the already-small Christian presence in a country where Christians make up a tiny fraction of the population.

A Longstanding Effort to Expose Systemic Abuse

Over several years, ADFI has raised awareness of these human rights violations through, among other activities, workshops with local lawyers, academic publications and expert submissions highlighting systemic violations of freedom of religion or belief and related rights.

ADF International has supported a number of applicants and counsel in these cases over several years. ADF International directly represents four individuals before the Court, two of whom are lead applicants, and has supported nearly all the other cases.

“We welcome the Court’s decision to jointly communicate these cases. These are not isolated mistakes or one-off decisions,” said Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Global Religious Freedom for ADF International. “By examining these cases together, the Court is acknowledging that they may reveal a pattern of discrimination against Christians in Türkiye. We look to the Court to uphold the fundamental principle that governments cannot strip people of their rights simply for living out their faith.”

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Pictured: Dave and Pam Wilson; David Byle; Lidia Rieder; Kelsey Zorzi

Finnish Parliamentarian on trial for Bible tweet testifies before U.S. Congress: “European censorship is a worldwide concern” 

Photo of Päivi Räsänen In the US House of Judiciary hearing

  • At House Judiciary Committee hearing, Parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen testifies about her six-year-long criminal prosecution for tweeting a Bible verse under Finnish “hate speech” law. 
  • An ADF International European legal expert further testified on the dangers of European online censorship, including through the EU Digital Services Act; in addition to Irish comedian Graham Linehan, who testified on his UK arrest for X posts. 
Photo of Päivi Räsänen In the US House of Judiciary hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 4) – Today, experts from Europe delivered a warning to the U.S. Congress about the growing threat of European censorship to American free speech.

Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen addressed lawmakers in a hearing titled “Europe’s Threat to Speech and Innovation: Part II,” hosted by the House Judiciary Committee. In her testimony, she detailed her ongoing criminal prosecution in Finland for expressing her Christian beliefs online, including in a 2019 Bible-verse tweet. Räsänen’s case has become one of the most prominent examples of the criminalization of peaceful speech in Europe.  

“Speech that is lawful today can become criminalized tomorrow. This should concern every person that values freedom,” Räsänen said. “My case shows where this path can lead. Recent developments from the European Union, like the Digital Services Act, make European censorship a worldwide concern.” 

Prosecuted for over six years under a “hate speech” provision in the section of Finland’s criminal code pertaining to war crimes and crimes against humanity, Räsänen is currently awaiting a verdict from the Supreme Court of Finland. Her legal defence has been coordinated by ADF International. 

“When the state controls which ideas and beliefs may be expressed, democracy becomes fragile,” Räsänen added. 

“Speech that is lawful today can become criminalized tomorrow. This should concern every person that values freedom. My case shows where this path can lead. Recent developments from the European Union, like the Digital Services Act, make European censorship a worldwide concern."

- Päivi Räsänen

Lorcán Price, Irish barrister and Legal Counsel with ADF International, also testified before the Committee, outlining how the European Union is using online speech regulations such as the Digital Service Act to create a dangerous worldwide censorship regime. 

“It is now undeniable that the reach of the DSA is not just a European problem,” Price said in his testimony. “The Commission has fired the first shots in a global struggle over whether people can speak the truth and whether American companies including Google, Bing, and Meta are free to continue to drive Internet innovation or instead be forced to help Europe silence speech worldwide.” 

Price warned that the EU’s speech restrictions risk being exported globally, particularly through large online platforms that operate across borders, raising concerns for Americans whose lawful speech could be restricted through foreign censorship. 

He cited the DSA’s first major fine of €120 million against X, which was issued in December for alleged violations of transparency and user-protection obligations. 

“The enormous fines levied on X by the EU commission proved beyond all doubt that the EU means to strangle free speech by a systematic assault on US companies,” Price said. In his written testimony, he added, “While these penalties are the first that the EU has imposed under the provisions of the DSA, be under no illusions, they will not be the last.”  

Graham Lineham, an Irish comedian and writer who was arrested for his X posts in September 2025 in London, also provided a witness testimony on the panel. 

Background

The hearing follows a recent report from the House Judiciary Committe previous House Judiciary Committee session on the threat of Europe’s growing censorship, during which Price also testified, warning lawmakers that European censorship laws threaten free expression far beyond the European Union. The initial hearing focused largely on the EU’s Digital Services Act and its implications for Americans’ online speech. Most recently, The House Judiciary Committee warned about the DSA’s risks to American free speech in a new report “The Foreign Censorship Threat, Part II: Europe’s Decade-Long Campaign to Censor the Global Internet and How it Harms American Speech in the United States.” 

The DSA grants the European Commission broad authority to regulate content on large online platforms. While framed as an online safety measure, the law creates strong incentives for platforms to remove lawful speech through heavy fines, government oversight, and reliance on “trusted flaggers” to identify allegedly problematic content. Because major platforms operate globally, the DSA risks establishing a de facto worldwide censorship regime that affects users far beyond Europe. 

ADF International has been at the forefront of raising concerns about the DSA and defending individuals targeted under Europe’s expanding speech laws, including providing legal support in Räsänen’s case, which has drawn international attention as a warning of the erosion of fundamental freedoms.

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Finnish Parliamentarian on Trial for Bible Tweet to Testify Before U.S. Congress on Europe’s Growing Censorship Regime 

  • Finnish Parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen to testify at House Judiciary Committee hearing on her criminal prosecution for “hate speech,” joined by ADF International European legal expert 
  • Räsänen, prosecuted for over six years, is currently awaiting a verdict from the Supreme Court of Finland on criminal charges for tweeting a Bible verse in 2019 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 30) – The U.S. House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing titled “Europe’s Threat to Speech and Innovation: Part II,” examining how European speech laws and censorship regimes are impacting free expression, innovation, and democratic debate. 

Witnesses, including Finnish Parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen and ADF International legal expert Lorcán Price, will warn lawmakers of Europe’s expanding speech restrictions, including criminal prosecutions for peaceful expression. These restrictions pose serious threats to fundamental freedoms and risk being exported beyond Europe to the United States. Graham Linehan, an Irish comedian who was arrested for his X posts in September 2025, will also serve as a witness on the panel.

Räsänen’s case has become one of Europe’s most prominent examples of the criminalization of speech, after she was criminally charged and put on trial for expressing her Christian beliefs online in a 2019 tweet. She is currently awaiting a verdict after facing criminal trial before the Supreme Court of Finland in October. 

Price will offer testimony regarding Europe’s censorship crisis and the European Union’s attack on free speech using the Digital Services Act (DSA), which is one of the most dangerous restrictions on free speech in the digital age. The House Judiciary Committee warned about the DSA’s risks to American free speech in its July report “The Foreign Censorship Threat: How the European Union’s Digital Services Act Compels Global Censorship and Infringes on American Free Speech”. 

When: 
Feb. 4, beginning at 10 a.m. EST 

Where: 
Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C., and via livestream 

Media Attendance: 
Members of the media are encouraged to attend the hearing in person or view the livestream. Interviews with speakers may be requested in advance. 

To schedule interviews or for additional information, contact ADF International Communications Officer, Anna Rose Myrick at [email protected] or (480)-371-7941.

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