POLICE have dropped an investigation into Irish rap group Kneecap over its performance at Glastonbury.
The Irish rappers posted a screenshot of an email from Avon and Somerset Police to social media, in which a senior member of the force told the band’s lawyers: “Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.”
Police later said in a public statement there was "insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence".
In a statement, Kneecap said: “This ‘investigation’ was reported across the world's media often with wildly misleading headlines.
“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.
“Why open and publicise an investigation into fuck all?”
The band added that it believed the investigation was “political”, “targeted” and amounted to “state intimidation”.
It added: “After the media damage is inflicted and seen by millions of eyes – you receive a private email to say there's no evidence and no action – that is seen by two people only.
“There is no public apology, they don't send this to media or post it on police accounts.”
Kneecap were reported to the police after leading chants of "free Palestine" and "fuck Keir Starmer" during their set at Glastonbury Festival earlier this summer.
Rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh – who goes by the stage name Mo Chara – remains charged with terrorism offences for allegedly displaying the flag of the proscribed group Hezbollah at a gig last year. He denies the charge.
In a statement, 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, June 28.
"Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries 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 was informed of that decision earlier today (Friday, July 18).
"Enquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan’s performance."
