UK Police Initiate Criminal Investigation into ‘Death to the IDF’ Chant
(MENAFN) British authorities announced on Monday that a criminal investigation has been initiated into Bob Vylan’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival over controversial chants made by the band’s frontman. The investigation follows a review of video and audio recordings from the weekend set, where rapper Bobby Vylan led the audience in chants condemning the Israeli army.
The controversy erupted after a news outlet expressed regret for not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan’s set, which featured calls for “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF,” a reference to the Israeli Defense Forces.
The Israeli Embassy in London quickly condemned the chants, describing them as "inflammatory and hateful rhetoric," while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced them as “appalling hate speech.”
Bob Vylan, a rap-punk duo consisting of Bobby Vylan (vocals and guitar) and Bobbie Vylan (drums), has faced significant backlash not only in the UK but also in the US. Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State, announced on X that the State Department had revoked the group’s visas "in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.”
In response, Bob Vylan posted a video on Instagram, criticizing politicians who focused on the band's actions while neglecting other pressing issues. The group’s statement urged critics to "utterly ashamed" of their priorities.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that after reviewing footage from Bob Vylan’s set and the Irish rap group Kneecap’s performance, they have decided to launch a full criminal investigation. A senior detective has been appointed to oversee the case, which will focus on gathering evidence and adhering to relevant laws, including those pertaining to hate crimes.
“We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognize the strength of public feeling. There is absolutely no place in society for hate,” the police statement emphasized.
The Israeli military's ongoing campaign in Gaza has killed over 56,500 Palestinians since October 2023. In response to Israel’s actions, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military actions in Gaza.
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