No charges over IDF chants during Glastonbury set

An investigation by Avon and Somerset Police into chanting during Bob Vylan’s performance at Glastonbury has concluded that no further action will be taken.

“Having examined all the evidence, we have concluded that this does not meet the criminal threshold set by the CPS for the prosecution of any person,” police said in a statement. he said.

“No further action will be taken on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a realistic possibility of conviction.”

Investigation into “Death, death to Israel” chants [Israel Defence Forces]” and other comments made during the band’s performance on the West Holts Stage, which was streamed live on BBC iPlayer.

Police said they conducted a “discreet voluntary police interview” with a man in his mid-30s in November as part of their investigation.

Officers also said they spoke to “around 200” members of the public to find out if they had been victims of a criminal offence.

In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said they had also received legal precedent submissions from other UK police forces dealing with similar incidents and had sought advice from the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s hate crime leaders, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and “an independent lawyer”.

“We sought specific consideration in terms of the intent behind the words stated, the broader context of how people heard what was said, case law and anything else potentially relevant, including freedom of expression,” the statement continued.

“The advice we received consistently revealed fundamental evidentiary challenges that cannot be ignored,” police said.

“We believe it is right that this matter is thoroughly investigated, every potential criminal offense has been thoroughly assessed and we have received all the advice we can to ensure we make an informed decision.”

“Since this incident, we have proactively engaged with a number of groups, particularly among our Jewish communities, and provided them with ongoing updates.”

Police confirmed that the man interviewed as part of the investigation had already been informed of the outcome.

It comes after the Met Police said it had closed its investigation into a performance in London on the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).