By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) - Dutch prosecutors decided Wednesday to dismiss charges against the British punk rap duo Bob Vylan over statements it made during a September concert in Amsterdam, ruling that the remarks, while provocative, do not constitute hate speech or incitement to violence.
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) said that after a “careful investigation,” it concluded that four statements made by the band during their Sept. 13 performance at the Paradiso music venue were not punishable under Dutch law.
The concert sparked controversy after excerpts of the performance circulated online, leading to dozens of reports to police and formal complaints from 35 organizations and individuals.
Among the phrases reviewed were “Death to the IDF,” referring to the Israeli army, “F*** Andy, f*** the fascists, f*** the Zionists. Get out there and fight them,” and “Because if you talk shit, you will get banged. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of shit,” referring to the American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur and media personality who was assassinated in September while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Authorities transcribed and translated the spoken parts of the performance with the help of a certified interpreter, while song lyrics were not included in the investigation.
In its assessment, the prosecution said that criticism of Zionism does not automatically equate to hate speech against Jewish people.
“Zionism is a political movement and ideology, and these characteristics as such are not protected under discrimination articles,” the OM said.
It added that the band’s words, though “provocative and harsh in tone,” were interpreted as calls for activism and political engagement, consistent with punk’s confrontational style, rather than incitement to violence.
The prosecution noted that complainants have been informed of the decision and may still appeal to the Court of Appeal if they wish to contest it.