TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian authorities banned the Irish-language rap group Kneecap from the nation Friday, saying the group has endorsed political violence and terrorism.
The group has confronted criticism for political statements seeming to glorify militant teams like Hamas and Hezbollah. Hungary beforehand banned the group.
Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, mentioned Kneecap has “publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas” that goes past inventive expression.
“Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and the glorification of terrorism,” Gasparro mentioned in a video on social media.
“Political debate and free speech are vital to our democracy, but open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech.”
Kneecap has accused critics of making an attempt to silence the band due to its assist for the Palestinian trigger all through Israel’s struggle in Gaza. They are saying they don’t assist Hezbollah and Hamas nor condone violence.
Kneecap responded in an Instagram submit, saying that Gasparro’s feedback are “wholly untrue and deeply malicious.”
“We have today instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against you,” the band’s assertion mentioned.
“We will be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusation to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel.”
Kneecap was scheduled to carry out subsequent month in Toronto and Vancouver.
The Canada-based advocacy group Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs says the choice is a stand towards “incitement, hate and radicalization,” whereas Jewish group B’nai Brith is declaring “victory.”
Kneecap carried out in April on the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Pageant in California, the place they accused Israel — enabled by the U.S. authorities — of committing genocide towards the Palestinians. That sparked requires the rappers’ U.S. visas to be revoked and a number of other Kneecap gigs have since been canceled in consequence.
Initially Printed: September 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM PDT
