Lead

The frontman of British punk rap band Bob Vylan was denied entry to Germany, detained at Berlin airport, and deported to the UK last month, according to a report by The Intercept. The ban was later revoked without explanation.

Coverage Comparison

The Intercept reported that German federal police justified the deportation on June 15, citing a performance at the Glastonbury Festival where Bob Vylan led a chant of "Death, death to the IDF" (Israel Defense Forces). The outlet states that authorities later lifted the entry ban in a letter in late July but refused to explain why.

Key Claims

  • The German Federal Police denied entry to Robinson-Foster due to his pro-Palestine statements, referencing the Glastonbury chant.
  • A police file alleges Robinson-Foster disseminated antisemitic narratives and Hamas propaganda that could radicalize certain population segments and serve as ideological justification for terrorist groups or individuals. It also claims he poses a threat to Germany's public security and public order.
  • The file further states that allowing his entry would cause "considerable reputational damage" by implying Germany was making no effort to prevent the spread of antisemitism and associated calls to violence.
  • The Bundespolizei declined to answer detailed questions, citing public security interests and data protection.
  • Robinson-Foster denied the allegations, calling them "frankly absurd" and saying he is not a threat to German national security.
  • The report mentions that he and his bandmate Wade Laurence George had their U.S. visas revoked following the Glastonbury performance, and that Germany was the first country to deny entry to a band member.
  • British police previously closed an investigation into the Glastonbury performance due to insufficient evidence.
  • Robinson-Foster said that since his deportation, he and his bandmate have been stopped for questioning at European borders.