Irish rap group Kneecap, formed in Northern Ireland in 2017, has been banned from entering Canada ahead of their scheduled tour. The announcement was made by Vince Gasparro, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Combatting Crime. It arrives amid calls for censorship under the guise of “hate speech” and “glorification of terrorism.” Kneecap’s scheduled shows in Toronto and Vancouver, beginning October 14, have been cancelled after this prohibition.
The controversy surrounding Kneecap kicked up a notch after their recent experience in Hungary. Only two weeks ahead of a festival where they were going to perform, they found themselves banned. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of Kneecap, is currently on remand on the UK mainland on terrorism charges. These legal problems converged with the continuing turmoil in and around the group. UK Home Office UK government’s argument that he waved a Hezbollah flag on stage at a 2024 concert. They claim this decision constitutes a breach of UK terrorism legislation.
Vince Gasparro shared the government’s position on Kneecap and how their recent actions have escalated considerable fears.
“Recently the rap group Kneecap has engaged in actions and made statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws that have caused deep alarm to our government,” – Vince Gasparro.
Gasparro gave us the full picture of the misconduct they alleged against the outfit. He accused them of being advocates of political violence and in favor of terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. He passionately argued that political discourse, critical debate, and free speech are cornerstones of democracy. He stressed that these freedoms are not meant to protect endorsements of terrorism.
“But open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech,” – Vince Gasparro.
Reacting to the ban, Kneecap issued a furious counterattack through the allegations. They described the claims Gasparro made in her lawsuit as “completely false and extremely maleficent.” The collective communicated their decision to sue him, proclaiming their dedication to fighting for their rights.
“When we beat you in court, which we will,” – Kneecap.
Kneecap has been instrumental in pushing the US to adopt their mode of speaking to address international issues and especially to condemn Israel’s war on Gaza. Often, the collective gets their audiences to join them in call and response chants calling for Palestinian liberation, including “Free Palestine!” They allege that significant Zionist lobbying groups, including the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, have pressured the Canadian government to impose this ban.
Kneecap insisted that not one of their members was ever found guilty of a violent crime. They claimed their plans for philanthropy should they win in their ongoing legal struggle against Gasparro.
“We will donate every cent to assist some of the thousands of child amputees in Gaza,” – Kneecap.
Kneecap’s next hearing in the UK will take place on September 26. This hearing will further inform listeners on the sordid legal hell that TPP’s members have continued to put their constituents through. Controversies regarding free speech and hate speech continue to stoke the political landscape. At the same time, the group’s future is under threat as governments and institutions around the world ramp up their attacks.
