Canada has officially banned the Irish rap trio Kneecap from entering the country ahead of their scheduled Canadian concerts in October, accusing them of promoting political violence and supporting groups considered terrorist organisations.
Vince Gasparro, Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime, said the decision was based on statements and actions by the band that allegedly praise Hezbollah and Hamas – claims Kneecap denies.
A band member, Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), is already facing a terrorism charge in the UK over displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2024 performance.
Kneecap has announced plans for legal action, calling the accusations “baseless.”
