UK
Police drop investigation into Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance
The band claimed that the very existence of the probe was an example of ‘state intimidation’
July 18, 2025 15:07
The band claimed that the very existence of the probe was an example of ‘state intimidation’
July 18, 2025 15:07Police have confirmed they will take “no further action” after launching an investigation into anti-Israel rap trio Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury.
The band were accused of calling for a “riot” outside a London court on the day of a preliminary hearing of Liam Ó hAnnaidh, who will appear on a charge under the Terrorism Act connected to a different gig.
Ó hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara, is due in court on August 20 for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London concert last November.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June.
"Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) during their inquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence."
Kneecap responded to the decision on X, calling the investigation a "political policing intimidation attempt".
The band wrote: "One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over.
"We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.
"Shortly afterwards we learn of an active police investigation. An investigation that followed after the prime minister himself said it "was not appropriate" we played Glastonbury.
"Every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken, not even close....yet the police saw fit to publicly announce they were opening an investigation.
"This is political. This is targeted. This is state intimidation."
The group has also previously decried the charge against Mo Chara, suggesting it is an attempt to “silence” their pro-Palestine activism.
Despite the latest announcement, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the investigation into comments made by punk duo Bob Vylan, which was announced concurrently with the Kneecap probe, is continuing.
Bob Vylan, which played the slot immediately before Kneecap and expressed support for the group on stage, led a chant of “death to the IDF”, which was widely condemned by Jewish groups as antisemitic.
Police are continuing to examine the content of their performance and will determine, along with the CPS, whether to bring charges in connection with it.
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