The Irish trio summons the probe “National Intimidation” after band members take them to court over Glastonbury’s pro-Palestinian message.
British police have decided not to take any further action against KneeCap in an incident related to the Irish hip-hop trio’s opposition to Israel.
Avon and Somerset police said in a statement Friday that they conducted an investigation into the music group’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival on June 28th and sought advice from the Crown Prosecutor’s Office.
“We have decided not to take any further action on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic outlook for convictions for any crime,” he added, notifying the band of the decision.
Kneecap has repeatedly taken Palestinian stances during the show, and has repeatedly taken online stances, confirming that he has been notified of the decision via representatives.
“Everyone who saw our set didn’t know that the law was not broken, and even not even broken nearby,” they said in a post online that the investigation amounted to “national threats.”
One element of political police blackmail attempts is over.
We performed a historic set at Glastonbury. The entire area closed an hour ago due to the crowd. A celebration of love and solidarity. The sea of good people at the world’s most famous festival.
Soon after that…pic.twitter.com/s0bsmeom83
– Kneecap (@kneecapceol) July 18, 2025
Members of the band were charged with “terrorism” crimes for waving the flag of Lebanese group Hezbollah at a concert in London in November 2024.
The Belfast-based trio combines the struggles of the Irish under British colonial rule with the Palestinians who have lived under Israeli occupation and siege for decades, and are known for their political and satirical lyrics.
Avon and Somerset police said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing in connection with separate comments on stage by rappunk duo Bob Bilan.
Bob Bilan is also supporting Palestinians and leads the crowd with chants with Israeli forces in late June, using the UK’s largest summer music festival.
The duo chanted “death” on Israeli forces and “free Palestine,” leading to criminal investigations by British police.
After Israel’s branded performance as “anti-Semitic,” the UK broadcaster BBC said there will no longer be any live broadcast music performances considered “high risk.”
The British government, a stubborn supporter of Israel and a leading weapons provider for the Israeli military, is also known as “terrifying hate speech.”
US authorities have revoked visas for musicians who refused to oppose religious groups and said they support the “destroying violent military machines” that destroyed much of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli forces killed at least 58,667 Palestinians in the besieged enclave, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Approximately 20,000 children are among the killed children.
