Avon and Somerset Police have decided not to prosecute the punk duo Bob Vylan following a criminal investigation into "death to the IDF" chants made during their Glastonbury Festival performance in June. The decision, announced Tuesday, cited insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction after a six-month inquiry.
Bobby Vylan, the rapper whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, led the chants against the Israel Defence Forces during the duo's set on the West Holts Stage. The comments drew widespread anger and prompted a senior detective to launch a criminal investigation shortly afterwards.
The band posted a statement on X on Christmas Eve expressing that while the news should be cause for celebration, «the criminal investigation of the chant was never warranted in the first place.» They described the performance as «a display of solidarity with the Palestinian people» and said they had used their «art and platform to take a stand against the actions of Israel and its illegal occupying military force.»
Bob Vylan added: «We hope that this news inspires others in the UK and around the world to speak up, and continue speaking up, in support of the Palestinian people, without fear. We have had our shows cancelled, visas revoked, our names tarnished and our lives upended, but what we have lost in peace and security, we have gained tenfold in spirit and camaraderie.»
Critical Reactions
The decision sparked sharp criticism from Jewish groups and Israeli officials. The Community Security Trust, a charity protecting Jewish communities in the UK, said: «It is incredibly disappointing that the police and CPS have decided not to charge in this case, particularly when police forces in London and Manchester are adopting a stronger approach to tackling hateful rhetoric. It sends completely the wrong message at the worst possible time.»
The Embassy of Israel in London called the decision «deeply disappointing,» questioning when «vile calls for violence, repeated openly and without remorse,» would be recognized as «a real and dangerous instigator of bloodshed.»
The Campaign Against Antisemitism said British Jews would be «furious but not in the least surprised,» noting that «over the last two years, trust in the authorities has collapsed.»
Police Defense
Avon and Somerset Police defended their investigation, stating: «The comments made on Saturday June 28 drew widespread anger, proving that words have real-world consequences. We believe it is right this matter was comprehensively investigated, every potential criminal offence was thoroughly considered and we sought all the advice we could to ensure we made an informed decision.»
The Crown Prosecution Service clarified it only provided «early investigative advice» but was not asked to make a charging decision. A spokesman acknowledged «the strength of public feeling about comments made during Bob Vylan's set at Glastonbury Festival in June, particularly among the Jewish community.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
