Police in London have launched an investigation after rapper Bobby Vylan led chants of “Death to the IDF” during an Al Quds Day rally in the city, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The chants took place on Sunday during a demonstration along Albert Embankment on the south side of the River Thames, where thousands of pro-Palestinian activists gathered. Vylan, the lead vocalist of the rap duo Bob Vylan, addressed the crowd from a stage, criticising the British government’s handling of pro-Palestinian activism before leading chants directed at the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
In a statement on social media, the Metropolitan Police Service confirmed it was reviewing the incident. Scotland Yard said it recognised the concern caused by the footage, particularly among London’s Jewish communities.
Police noted that similar language had previously been assessed by the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that available evidence at the time was insufficient to bring charges. However, authorities said the new incident would be investigated.
The demonstration also featured other controversial displays. Officers detained a man carrying a banner reading “Boom, boom Tel Aviv,” which police said appeared to glorify Iranian attacks on Israel. According to reports, the man told reporters, as he was escorted away, that he supported the bombing of Israel.
The rally also included speeches defending a protester who had reportedly been arrested in Brighton the previous day for chanting in support of the “intifada.”
Jewish organisations have expressed concern about rising hostility at demonstrations since the October 7 attacks, warning that aggressive rhetoric directed at Israeli institutions can contribute to fear within Jewish communities in the UK.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that they are assessing available footage and evidence from the demonstration.
Photo credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
More News
