Avon and Somerset Police have concluded their investigation into chants of “death to the IDF” led by Bob Vylan at Glastonbury Festival, saying there is insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction.
The rap duo’s frontman, Bobby Vylan – real name Pascal Robinson-Foster – led crowds on the West Holts stage in the chants during their set in June. The force subsequently launched a criminal investigation and a man in his mid-30s was interviewed under caution last month, though 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.” It added that the comments drew widespread anger and that the matter had been comprehensively investigated, with all potential offences considered.
The Crown Prosecution Service, which provided early investigative advice, said it recognised the strength of public feeling about the comments, particularly among the Jewish community, but had not been asked to make a charging decision. The Community Security Trust expressed disappointment, saying the decision “sends completely the wrong message at the worst possible time”.
Separately, the Metropolitan Police confirmed last month they would close their own investigation into a Bob Vylan gig at Alexandra Palace in May, while the BBC partially upheld complaints over its streaming of the Glastonbury performance.
