Canada bans Irish rap group Kneecap over alleged support for terrorist groups
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Kneecap frontman Liam O'Hanna walking outside a court in Britain in August 2025 after being charged with a terrorism offence.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Canada barred Irish rap group Kneecap, alleging promotion of hate, violence, and support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
- Kneecap's frontman Liam O'Hanna accused Israel of war crimes at Glastonbury and faces a UK terrorism offence for displaying a Hezbollah flag.
- Kneecap cancelled its US tour and now Canadian concerts due to O'Hanna's court hearing and Canada's allegations against the band.
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OTTAWA - Canada has barred Irish rap trio Kneecap from entering the country ahead of its scheduled concerts in October, accusing the band of promoting hate and violence and supporting terrorist groups, a member of the Liberal government announced on Sept 19.
Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere. At the Glastonbury Festival
Mr Vince Gasparro, Canada’s parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said in a video on X that the members of the group have been deemed ineligible to enter the country because of actions and statements that violate Canadian law.
He said the group has amplified political violence and has publicly displayed support for terrorist organisations, including Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza.
“Advocating for political violence, glorifying terrorist organizations and displaying hate symbols that directly target the Jewish community are not protected forms of expression and will not be tolerated by our government,” Mr Gasparro said.
Kneecap’s manager and international booking agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Canada’s immigration ministry did not immediately respond to a request for more details.
The band has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, and that it condemns “all attacks on civilians, always”.
In May, O’Hanna was charged with a terrorism offence in Britain
He denies the offence, saying the flag was thrown on stage during Kneecap’s performance.
In August, Kneecap cancelled its 15-date US tour scheduled for October, citing the proximity of O’Hanna’s London court hearing.
Kneecap had four Canadian concerts scheduled in October, two in Toronto and two in Vancouver, according to its website. REUTERS
Kneecap performing in August 2025 at the Way Out West festival in Sweden.
PHOTO: REUTERS
