Bob Vylan claims he is being ‘targeted for speaking up’

On Monday Avon and Somerset Police said they have launched an investigation into punk rap duo Bob Vylan following his performance at Glastonbury Festival where he chanted “death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defence Force).

The BBC broadcast the live performance, and the broadcaster apologised describing his chants as “antisemitic sentiments” which is “unacceptable.”

Vylan posted a statement on Instagram, “Silence is not an option.”

The group said,“ Today, a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace.

“Last week it was a Palestine pressure group. The week before that it was another band.

“We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people.

“We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use “unnecessary lethal force” against innocent civilians waiting for aid.

“A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.”

The statement added, “We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story.

“We are a distraction from the story. And whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction.

“The Government doesn’t want us to ask why they remain silent in the face of this atrocity? To ask why they aren’t doing more to stop the killing? To feed the starving?

“The more time they talk about Bob Vylan the less time they spend answering for their criminal inaction.

“We are being targeted for speaking up. We are not the first, we will not be the last, and if you care for the sanctity of human life and freedom of speech, we urge you to speak up too.”

The police force said in a statement: “This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries 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.”