An online fundraising campaign to help pay for the legal fees of Daniel Penny, a UK pastor, who was arrested for preaching outdoors during COVID-19 restrictions, has raised more than $1 million. The campaign was launched on GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding platform, and has attracted over 35,000 donors. According to the organizers, the funds will be used to support Penny’s legal defense and help cover any related costs. Penny was arrested in April while preaching in North London, and he was later charged with violating coronavirus restrictions and inciting a breach of peace. His case has attracted widespread attention and has sparked a debate about the limits of freedom of speech and religious expression during the pandemic. The fundraising campaign has been criticized by some for supporting an alleged violation of public health rules, but supporters argue that it is a matter of fundamental rights and liberties. In any case, the campaign’s success highlights the power of online platforms to mobilize people around contentious issues and causes. It also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing legal proceedings. Overall, the story demonstrates how one person’s experience can resonate with others and galvanize collective action, regardless of their geographical or cultural background.
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