International rapper Bobby Vylan led chants of “Death to the IDF” during an Al Quds Day demonstration in London on Sunday.
During the event, the lead vocalist of rap duo Bob Vylan took to a public stage and delivered a speech condemning the British government’s handling of pro-Palestinian activism.
“Here we are today as a community in an attempt to remain human and let this Government know that despite all of their scare tactics, for every doctor they harass with repeated arrests; for every musician they attempt to ban from playing shows; for every pensioner with a placard they bundle into a police van; for every political prisoner they hope starves to death; we are here unbreakable and human standing always with the people of Gaza,” he said, before leading the crowd in chants against the IDF.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered along Albert Embankment on the south side of the River Thames for the rally, which included speeches defending a woman arrested in Brighton on Saturday for chanting in support of the intifada.
Scotland Yard to investigate the case
After the incident, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said on social media that authorities were aware of the chants, but added, “When this language has been used previously, we sought advice from the CPS, which determined there was insufficient evidence to bring a case.”
In a social media statement, Scotland Yard said it will investigate the case, acknowledging "the concern footage and chanting like this causes, particularly with London’s Jewish communities," which have been facing a significant rise in antisemitic threats in the UK since October 7, 2023.
Aside from Vylan’s appearance, the Al Quds demonstration featured other anti-Israel displays. London police detained a man carrying a banner reading “Boom, boom Tel Aviv” on suspicion of glorifying Iran’s attacks on Israel. As officers led him away, he told reporters, “I support the bombing of Israel,” according to The Telegraph.