Kneecap banned from Canada before court date
Canada banned Irish language band Kneecap from entering the country, saying the group has “made statements that are contrary to Canadian values” that “have caused deep alarm”.
The hip-hop trio was due to perform in Toronto at two shows in October, and at two others in Vancouver.
Canadian officials cited terror offence charges brought against one member of the group, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, in the UK in May, after he allegedly displayed a flag in support of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah – which the UK considers a terrorist organisation – at a London gig last year.
The 27-year-old denies the charges, with Kneecap calling the Canadian ban “deeply malicious” and threatening legal action.
Announcing the ban on Monday, Canadian Liberal MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime Vince Gasparro said in a video on X the group has “amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organisations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.”
“These are not expressions of art or legitimate political critique,” Gasparro said. “They are dangerous endorsements of violence and hate.”
The group responded to Gasparro in a post on X, writing that his statements are “wholly untrue and deeply malicious. We have today instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against you,” the group said.
The ban was welcomed by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Canada. “The federal government made the right decision,” said CEO Noah Shack, adding that “incitement, hate and radicalisation have no place in this country”.
