German Police Deport Bob Vylan Singer Over Glastonbury ‘Death to IDF’ Chant
British punk rapper Pascal Robinson-Foster was barred from Germany and sent back to the UK after authorities cited his Glastonbury chant calling for the death of the Israeli Defense Forces.
In June, German authorities intercepted Pascal Robinson-Foster, vocalist of the UK punk-rap group Bob Vylan, at Berlin’s airport and expelled him to Britain, invoking a June 15 entry ban that referenced his 2025 Glastonbury performance where he led a chant of “Death, death to the IDF.” Police files allege he spread antisemitic narratives and could radicalise segments of the German population, posing a risk to public order and Germany’s reputation.
The ban was quietly revoked in late July, but officials declined to disclose the legal basis or reasoning. Robinson-Foster, represented by lawyer Alexander Gorski, has filed objections seeking the full file, contending that barring entry for a non-criminal political statement violates rule-of-law principles. The case follows similar German actions against other pro-Palestine figures, highlighting a broader trend of using migration law to limit dissent. Despite the lifted ban, Robinson-Foster reports continued scrutiny at European borders, complicating upcoming German tour dates.
Why it matters
It shows how immigration rules are being used to curb political speech, raising concerns about free expression in Europe.
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