Fri Jul 18 15:02:03 UTC 2025: ## UK Police Drop Case Against Irish Band Kneecap Over Pro-Palestine Message, Band Denounces “State Intimidation”
**London, UK** – UK Police have dropped their investigation into Irish hip-hop group Kneecap after the band’s pro-Palestine performance at Glastonbury Festival in June. Avon and Somerset police announced Friday they would take “no further action” due to “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence.”
The investigation stemmed from Kneecap’s Glastonbury performance, where they displayed messages in support of Palestine. The band has been vocal in their opposition to Israel and has linked the Palestinian struggle to historical Irish experiences under British rule. A member of the band had also previously faced charges related to waving a Hezbollah flag at a London concert last year.
Kneecap responded to the police decision on social media, calling the investigation “state intimidation.” They maintained that their Glastonbury performance was a celebration of “love and solidarity.”
This case comes amid increased scrutiny of pro-Palestine activism in the UK. Rap-punk duo Bob Vylan is also under investigation by Avon and Somerset police for comments made on stage at Glastonbury, where they led chants of “death” to the Israeli army and “free Palestine.”
The BBC has stated it will no longer live-broadcast performances deemed “high risk” following the controversy. The British government, a strong supporter of Israel, condemned the chants as “appalling hate speech.”
Meanwhile, in the United States, authorities have reportedly revoked the visas of Bob Vylan following their Glastonbury performance. The duo defended their actions, stating they are against the “violent military machine” responsible for the destruction in Gaza.
Since October 2023, over 58,000 Palestinians, including an estimated 20,000 children, have been killed in Gaza by the Israeli military, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
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