Victory for Free Speech: Charges Dropped Against Scottish Grandmother

29.08.2025

In a case that sparked international debate, 74-year-old Rose Docherty has had charges dropped after being arrested for standing peacefully within a buffer zone outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Her sign read: “Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.” That simple message led to her being handcuffed and taken away by police — the first arrest under Scotland’s exclusion zone law introduced in September 2024.

The ordeal, captured on video, drew widespread criticism. Pro-life groups condemned the law as “intolerant” and “intimidating,” arguing that it criminalises compassion. The US Bureau of Democracy and Human Rights weighed in, urging governments to uphold freedom of expression.

After months of uncertainty, the Crown Office announced no further action would be taken. Ms Docherty responded with grace: “This is a victory not just for me, but for everyone in Scotland who believes we should be free to hold a peaceful conversation.”

Her case highlights the chilling effect of exclusion zone laws, which claim to protect women but in practice silence alternative voices — even those offering support. As Ms Docherty noted, coercion can come from many sources, and offering a listening ear should never be treated as a threat.

Ireland’s own buffer zone law, passed in October 2024 despite Gardaí stating it was unnecessary, now faces renewed scrutiny.

This case reminds us: freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by the state — it’s a right that must be defended, especially when it’s exercised with compassion.