Police are no longer investigating Bob Vylan for "Death to IDF" chant at Glastonbury
The police have concluded their investigation of Bob Vylan's chant of "Death, death to the IDF" at Glastonbury in June.
"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," the Avon and Somerset police force said in a statement. "No further action will be taken on the basis there is insufficient evidential for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction."
The investigation pertains to comments made on stage by rapper Bobby Vylan at Glastonbury, in which he stated "Free, free Palestine,” before leading the crowd into chants against the Israeli Defence Force. A criminal investigation was launched just days later, and the duo had their US visas revoked; they were dropped by United Talent Agency and faced widespread criticism.
In a social media post, Glastonbury initially shared that they were "appalled by the statements made from the West Holts stage," stating that "their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the Festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech, or incitement of violence."
The punk-rap duo later issued their own response, stating, "We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use ‘unnecessary lethal force’ against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza. We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction."
Bob Vylan continue to remain vocal in their advocacy and support of both Palestinians and those who stand in solidarity with Palestine. Recently, they announced that they would be taking legal action against Irish public service broadcaster RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann) for labelling their actions at Glastonbury as "antisemitic", and regularly share updates on how to support hunger strikers imprisoned for their alleged offences affiliated with Palestine Action.
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