British band Bob Vylan cleared by Dutch authorities over controversial Israel comments

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) has ruled that comments made by the British band Bob Vylan are not criminally punishable. The OM announced this on its website, referring to statements the band made about the Israeli military during a Paradiso concert last September.

The OM came to this decision following a “thorough investigation” of four statements made by Bob Vylan. The comments sparked controversy on social media after videos of the concert showed the singer shouting, “death, death to the IDF.”

The OM stated that the remarks do not constitute group insult, incitement to hatred or discrimination, or sedition, though they understand that the comments may be seen as provocative and crude. “It is not the OM’s responsibility to determine whether a statement is inappropriate or objectionable,” they added.

The September show by Bob Vylan at Poppodium 013 was canceled following their remarks at Paradiso. The Central Jewish Consultation (CJO) attempted to block the band’s performance in Nijmegen through a court order, but the judge allowed the concert to proceed.

The CJO is contesting the OM’s decision not to pursue charges. CJO chairman Chanan Hertzberger described the OM’s ruling as “lax.” Believing that Bob Vylan’s statements were indeed criminal, the organization is launching an Article 12 procedure, asking a judge to examine the prosecution’s decision.

The Center for Information and Documentation on Israel (CIDI) also filed a complaint. Director Naomi Mestrum stated that the organization is evaluating potential follow-up actions.