Avon and Somerset Police have ended their investigation into chants of “death, death to the IDF” led by rap duo Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival, citing insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.
The incident occurred on 28 June during the duo’s performance on the West Holts stage, where frontman Bobby Vylan, real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, led the crowd in chants against the Israel Defense Forces. A man in his mid-30s was interviewed under caution last month but not formally arrested.
In a statement, the force said: “No further action will be taken on the basis there is insufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction.” They added that the comments “drew widespread anger, proving that words have real-world consequences”.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it provided early investigative advice but was not asked to make a charging decision. A spokesperson said: “We recognise the strength of public feeling… particularly among the Jewish community.”
The Community Security Trust criticised the decision, saying: “It is incredibly disappointing… It sends completely the wrong message at the worst possible time.” The Metropolitan Police previously closed their own investigation into a similar incident at Bob Vylan’s Alexandra Palace gig in May.
