Bob Vylan respond to police dropping Glastonbury investigation
Bob Vylan have issued a response following the news of Avon and Somerset Police concluding their investigation into the punk-rap duo.
Yesterday (23 December), Avon and Somerset Police announced that they would be dropping their investigation into Bob Vylan following "Death, death to the IDF" chant made during their performance at Glastonbury this summer, stating "We have concluded, after reviewing all the evidence, that it does not meet the criminal threshold outlined by the CPS for any person to be prosecuted."
Just a few hours ago, Bob Vylan took to Instagram to share their response.
"The arrival of the news that no further action will be taken against any member of Bob Vylan regarding our Glastonbury performance in June 2025, should be something we as a band find celebration in," the statement reads. "But the fact is, the criminal investigation of the chant was never warranted in the first place."
The duo continue to describe the experience of coming under scrutiny of the police and the media, stating, "Scare tactics have been used by every arm that the British government has at its disposal. Through the media, politicians, and the police, they have sought to ensure that our actions at Glastonbury do not spark a trend in escalating support for Palestine. While Palestinian people continue to be murdered at the hands of the IDF, the British government has focused its attention on doing everything it can to stifle the voices of those opposing that murder."
Ultimately, Bob Dylan remain firm in their solidarity, calling out the media, police, and politicians for the response to the duo's actions. "Musicians, comedians, doctors, students, and pensioners have all become targets. If we believed that the British media, politicians and police had any sense of self-awareness and capacity for shame, we would ask them to reflect on what they have allowed to continue by trying to suppress the voices of those speaking out. But we are far too aware that they have none."
"So instead, 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 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. And that is unbreakable."
"Thank you to everybody that has supported us in any way throughout the attempts to silence us," they conclude. "It has been beautiful to feel such community gather around."
"Free Palestine"
"Free The Filton 24"
"Free Sudan"
"Free Congo"
"And may oppressed people all over the world, resist the boot of tyranny on the neck of freedom."
See the post below:
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