Police are facing a significant backlash after announcing that rapper Bob Vylan will not face any charges over chants of 'death to the IDF' made during his performance at the Glastonbury Festival last summer.
Investigation Concludes Without Prosecution
Avon and Somerset Police stated that their criminal inquiry, led by a senior detective, has been closed. The force confirmed that a man in his mid-30s, understood to be the artist whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, was interviewed voluntarily in November. However, they concluded there was 'insufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction'.
The incident occurred during the Bob Vylan duo's set on Saturday, June 28, where the performer led the crowd in chanting 'death, death to the IDF'. The police acknowledged the comments 'drew widespread anger' and proved that 'words have real-world consequences', but maintained that a comprehensive investigation did not yield enough evidence for a prosecution.
Jewish Organisations Voice Profound Disappointment
The decision has been met with severe criticism from leading Jewish charities and the Israeli embassy. The Community Security Trust (CST), which provides security for UK Jewish communities, said it was 'incredibly disappointing' that no charges would be brought.
'It sends completely the wrong message at the worst possible time,' a CST spokesperson warned, contrasting the approach with what they described as stronger stances taken by police in London and Manchester against hateful rhetoric.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) stated that British Jews would be 'furious but not in the least surprised'. They highlighted a collapse in trust in the authorities, adding that with many British Jews questioning their future in the UK, it often falls to charities to pursue legal avenues because official bodies will not.
Official Responses and Legal Context
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) clarified that while they provided early investigative advice to Avon and Somerset Police on potential evidence needed for charges, the final decision to take no further action was made by the police force itself. A CPS spokesman recognised the 'strength of public feeling', particularly within the Jewish community.
In a post on X, the Israeli embassy in London expressed deep disappointment, calling the chants 'vile calls for violence'. The embassy questioned when such rhetoric would be recognised as 'a real and dangerous instigator of bloodshed', especially following recent terror attacks in Manchester and Bondi.
Avon and Somerset Police defended their process, stating they believed it was right to investigate thoroughly and consider every potential criminal offence before making an informed decision to close the case.
