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Fact Check: Police launch criminal investigation into Bob Vylan for 'Death to IDF' chant.

Fact Check: Police launch criminal investigation into Bob Vylan for 'Death to IDF' chant.

Published June 30, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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# Fact Check: Police Launch Criminal Investigation into Bob Vylan for 'Death to IDF' Chant ## What We Know On June 28, 2025, during their performance...

Fact Check: Police Launch Criminal Investigation into Bob Vylan for 'Death to IDF' Chant

What We Know

On June 28, 2025, during their performance at the Glastonbury Festival, the punk rap duo Bob Vylan led the audience in chants of "death, death to the IDF" (Israel Defense Forces) and "free, free Palestine" (AP News). Following this incident, the UK police announced that they were examining videos of the performance and had launched a criminal investigation into the matter, categorizing it as a public order incident (Reuters). The U.S. State Department also revoked the duo's visas, condemning their actions as a "hateful tirade" (AP News).

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the chants as "appalling hate speech" and stated that there was no justification for such expressions of violence (BBC). The Glastonbury Festival organizers expressed their disapproval, stating that the comments made by Bob Vylan "crossed a line" and emphasized that there is no place for antisemitism or hate speech at their event (BBC).

Analysis

The claim that police have launched a criminal investigation into Bob Vylan for their chants is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The investigation was initiated in response to the public outcry over the performance, which was recorded and widely disseminated on social media. The police have stated that they will review the footage to determine if any offenses were committed that would warrant prosecution (Reuters, CNN).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is high. The Associated Press and Reuters are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The BBC, while facing criticism for broadcasting the performance, also reported on the incident and the subsequent political fallout, including condemnation from various government officials (BBC).

Critics of Bob Vylan's performance, including government officials, have labeled the chants as incitement to violence, which raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and free speech. The backlash reflects a broader societal debate regarding the appropriateness of such statements in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions (Mirror, Newsweek).

Conclusion

The claim that police have launched a criminal investigation into Bob Vylan for their "death to IDF" chant is True. The investigation is based on the public order implications of the chants made during their performance at the Glastonbury Festival, which have been widely condemned by political leaders and the festival organizers alike. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding free speech and hate speech in the context of ongoing international conflicts.

Sources

  1. UK police investigate Bob Vylan, Kneecap's Glastonbury ...
  2. UK police say performances at Glastonbury Festival are ...
  3. Starmer criticises 'appalling' Bob Vylan IDF chants
  4. Portaal - Police.be
  5. Everything you need to know about Bob Vylan's IDF chant sparking calls ...
  6. Glastonbury Festival act's chant against Israeli military ...
  7. Commissariat de Police de Leuze-en-Hainaut
  8. Bob Vylan Glastonbury Anti-Israel Chants: Police Issue Update

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Fact Check: Police launch criminal investigation into Bob Vylan for 'Death to IDF' chant. | TruthOrFake Blog