Case Summary

Pavica Vojnović, the leader of the prayer group, was shocked in 2019 to hear that the local municipality had suddenly denied permission for her group to hold vigils near the pre-abortion advisory centre. Twice a year, around 20 people had gathered to pray for the women facing abortion, and the lives of their unborn children. The vigils took place for 40 days– silently and peacefully. Despite Pavica applying for and being granted all the necessary permissions for their previous vigils, the municipality banned them from praying near the facility. Pavica and her group were not preventing anybody from entering the building, nor were they blocking the pavement in the surrounding area.

The prayer vigils were peaceful throughout. When monitored by the police at the request of “Pro Familia”, no violations were found; and yet, the centre requested that the vigil be moved some distance away, or banned altogether.

“We welcome the court’s judgment, which reaffirms freedom of assembly and other fundamental freedoms as the foundation of a free democracy. This is a clear victory not just for 40 Days for Life, but also for all concerned with the protection of fundamental human rights. The German people have the right to peaceful assembly and expression, including silent prayer, on their public streets,” said Lidia Rieder, legal officer for ADF International.