Police have announced a criminal investigation into Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s Glastonbury performances as the Trump administration kills the punk duo’s American tour by revoking their visa over antisemitic death chants. The Mail has more.
There has been widespread condemnation of the comments made by the group Bob Vylan whose frontman led chants of “Free Palestine” and “Death to the IDF” – while there has also been controversy over Irish rap trio Kneecap’s appearance there too.
The BBC has faced strong criticism over its various responses following the performance that was broadcast on Saturday, including suggestions it should face charges – while the band this afternoon had their US visas revoked.
Avon and Somerset Police have now said: “Video footage and audio from Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s performances at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday has been reviewed.
“Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation.
“This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage. The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.
“We have received a large amount of contact in relation to these events from people across the world and recognise the strength of public feeling.
“There is absolutely no place in society for hate.
“Neighbourhood policing teams are speaking with people in their local communities and key stakeholders to make sure anyone who needs us knows that we are here for them.
“We hope the work we have carried out, and are continuing to carry out, reassures the public how seriously we are treating Saturday’s events.
“We politely ask the public refrain from continuing to report this matter to us because an investigation is already taking place.”
The BBC today admitted it should have cut the broadcast of what it called “utterly unacceptable” and “antisemitic” sentiments in Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury set.
And media watchdog Ofcom told the BBC it was “very concerned” over Saturday’s live broadcast.
Worth reading in full.
The cancellation of the visa probably serves Bob Vylan right but, as Laurie argues in the Spectator, a genuine commitment to free speech should require a threshold higher than what these morons have been accused of to attract criminal sanction.
Stop Press: BBC Director-General Tim Davie personally made the decision not to pull the iPlayer livestream of Bob Vylan’s performance while in attendance at the festival himself, it has emerged.
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