Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The US slams Scotland’s arrest of 75-year-old anti-abortion campaigner Rose Docherty for peaceful protest, calling it “tyrannical” suppression of free speech.
As reported by The Telegraph, Washington condemned Scotland’s arrest of an anti-abortion activist, calling it “tyrannical” for violating buffer zone rules.
Who was arrested for violating Glasgow’s buffer zone laws?
Rose Docherty, 75, was detained by police for standing outside Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital holding a sign that read, “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.”
The grandmother of two was filmed being lifted into a police van by four officers and reportedly kept in a cell for two hours without seating, despite two hip surgeries.
She has now been detained twice for breaching Scotland’s 200m buffer zone, which restricts harassment or intimidation near hospitals offering abortion services.
Authorities charged and released Ms Docherty on bail, imposing a restriction preventing her from entering the hospital zone.
She was the first woman arrested under Scotland’s new abortion buffer zone law in February, after displaying the same sign at the hospital.
Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service withdrew the case against Ms Docherty last month after international criticism.
Responding to her detention, Ms Docherty stated,
“Everybody has the right to engage in consensual conversation. I held my sign with love and compassion, inviting anyone who wants to chat, to do so – and stood peacefully, not approaching anyone.”
She added,
“I should not be treated as a criminal for inviting people to chat with me – lending a listening ear. Conversation is not forbidden on the streets of Glasgow. And yet, this is the second time I have been arrested for doing just that.”
What did the US State Department say about Rose Docherty’s arrest?
The US State Department described Rose Docherty’s arrest as “egregious,” warning that Britain’s basic civility is under threat.
A State Department spokesman said,
“The arrest of Rose Docherty is another egregious example of the tyrannical suppression of free speech happening across Europe.”
They added,
“When 75-year-old grandmothers are being arrested for standing peacefully and offering conversation, common sense and basic civility are under attack. The United States will always speak out against these violations of fundamental rights.”
Their remarks serve as a fresh warning over rising risks to freedom of expression in Britain.
Last month, when Ms Docherty’s case was dropped, the State Department praised Scottish prosecutors for their “sensible decision.”
The second arrest of Ms Docherty comes amid Washington’s increased scrutiny of free speech issues in the UK.
Who did US officials meet in the UK over free speech concerns?
A US delegation met pro-life campaigners in Britain in March, including Rose Docherty, amid concerns over threats to freedom of expression.
Following the meeting, Ms Docherty said, it was
“heartening that others around the world, including the US government, have realised this injustice and voiced their support.”
In the US, the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has reignited debate on free speech, with Republicans calling it an attack on Christian values.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Donald Trump urged world leaders to defend free speech and protect religious freedom, calling Christianity the “most persecuted religion on Earth.”
What did Lorcan Price say about Rose Docherty’s arrest?
Lorcan Price, lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom International, which backed Rose Docherty’s case, stated,
“It’s deeply concerning that Scottish policing resources are being ploughed into arresting and prosecuting a peaceful grandmother offering to speak to people in public, rather than focusing on the problems caused by real crime in Glasgow.”
He added,
“This is not a case about harassment, intimidation or violent protest – this is simply a grandmother, who held a sign offering to speak to anyone who would like to engage.”
What did JD Vance say about free speech concerns in the US and allies?
US Vice President JD Vance stated,
“I’ve raised concerns about free speech in the United States of America. I think the entire collective West, the transatlantic relationship, our Nato allies, certainly the United States under the Biden administration, got a little too comfortable with censoring rather than engaging with a diverse array of opinions.”
He said,
“So that’s been my view. Obviously, I’ve raised some criticism and concerns about our friends on this side of the Atlantic, but the thing that I say to the people of England, or anybody else, to David, is many of the things that I worry most about were happening in the United States from 2020 to 2024.”
Mr Vance added,
“I just don’t want other countries to follow us down what I think is a very dark path under the Biden administration.”
Key details about the Safe Access Zones Act
Safe Access Zones protect patients from intimidation near clinics. They came into effect on October 17, 2024, covering 100 meters around entrances and exits.
It is illegal to obstruct or influence access, including using graphic images, leaflets, or photos. After a warning, violations can lead to fines or up to six months in prison.