Police have confirmed that no further action will be taken against Kneecap regarding their performance at Glastonbury Festival.
Last month, Avon and Somerset Police initiated a criminal investigation into comments made on stage by the Irish-language rap trio during the music festival.
On Friday, the police force stated that, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), a decision was made not to pursue further action against Kneecap. The determination was based on “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence”.
Kneecap has described the investigation as “political policing intimidation,” asserting that their performance was a “celebration of love and solidarity”.
“This is political,” the group stated.
“Every single person who saw our set knew no law was broken, not even close.”
Kneecap has faced weeks of controversy surrounding their pro-Palestinian stance. Sharon Osbourne previously called for their US visas to be revoked in response to messages displayed on stage at Coachella.
The question of whether Kneecap should perform at Glastonbury drew considerable comment in the weeks leading up to the festival, with the Prime Minister stating that he did not believe it was “appropriate”.
Group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh had previously appeared in court charged with a terror offence, related to the alleged display of a flag at a gig in November in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah.
He denies the charge.
Kneecap did perform at Glastonbury, though the BBC did not livestream their performance.
Police have stated that inquiries into pop-punk duo Bob Vylan are ongoing.
The duo, whose set was broadcast live, led the crowd at the festival in chants of “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the scenes as “appalling and unacceptable,” and the BBC issued an apology for not cutting the feed.
Police have not specified which part of Bob Vylan’s or Kneecap’s sets were subject to criminal investigation.
However, in a previous statement, they stated that they had recorded them as a public order incident.
Analysis: Robbie Meredith, BBC News NI Education and Arts Correspondent
Kneecap is a band experiencing growing popularity with a passionate fan base; however, the majority of headlines they have generated have not focused on their music.
The BBC had assessed them as “high risk” prior to their performance at Glastonbury and, as a result, did not livestream it.
Nevertheless, Kneecap’s set at the festival led to a police investigation.
Avon and Somerset Police have now clarified that their investigation focused on “comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap’s performance”.
In reference to an upcoming court hearing involving band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Kneecap’s Naoise Ó Cairealláin told the Glastonbury crowd that they would “start a riot outside the courts”.
He subsequently qualified this statement, telling the crowd: “No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.”
A police investigation ensued, but, according to Avon and Somerset Police, proving an offence may have required them to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the band intended to start a riot.
The police and the CPS appear to have concluded that there was no realistic prospect of achieving this.
Kneecap have responded with characteristic defiance, questioning the basis for the police investigation into their performance.
A charity to help families whose loved ones have died in “sudden or suspicious circumstances” has been launched.
A signed summary of BBC Newsline.
It is hoped the new course could be up and running by 2029, subject to planning approval.
Two days of industrial action, due to start on Friday, could have affected rail and bus services.
Pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants in Portrush say this week has surpassed their expectations.