U.K. Pastor Arrested While Preaching Faces Hate Speech Charges

A 66-year-old pastor in Watford was arrested while preaching on a high street and now faces investigation for a public order offense.

Pastor Steve Maile, senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford and a New Zealand native, told Fox News Digital he was preaching and singing for about 10 minutes on April 18 when he discussed Islam's history of violence and called on Muslims to turn to Jesus.

Video shows officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary approaching Maile and handcuffing him behind his back. One officer told him he was under arrest for assaulting a child. Maile continued preaching as he was restrained and told officers he had not assaulted anyone.

Maile said he was detained for 12 hours, held without his phone, and not allowed to use the restroom. Police later dropped the assault allegation but kept him under investigation for a Section 5 public order offense, described as racially or religiously aggravated disorderly behavior.

Hertfordshire Police confirmed the arrest and said Maile was released on bail while the investigation continues. The force reviewed the officers' conduct and found no further action was needed.

Maile said the handcuffs caused him severe pain and that he needed wrist splints for three weeks afterward. He denies preaching hate and said he preaches the love and mercy of God.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Maile, called the arrest deeply troubling and said it raises questions about whether policing in the country is criminalizing Christianity.