The rap group Kneecap from Belfast has been prohibited from entering Canada by the government due to allegations of promoting terrorist organizations. The trio, consisting of Naoise O Caireallain (Móglaí Bap), Liam Og O hAnnaidh (Mo Chara), and JJ O’Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), is known for their controversial lyrics and merchandise, as well as their support for Palestine.
Throughout the year, Kneecap has made headlines for various incidents, such as a band member allegedly endorsing Hamas and Hezbollah at a concert in April, a police investigation into their Glastonbury Festival performance in June, and Mo Chara facing charges for displaying a Hezbollah flag at a show.
Canada’s parliamentary secretary for combating crime, Vince Gasparro, announced via social media that Kneecap has been declared “ineligible” to enter the country. Gasparro cited the group’s actions and statements as contrary to Canadian values and laws, expressing concern over their promotion of political violence and support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
In response, Kneecap issued a statement challenging the accusations, denouncing them as false and malicious. They emphasized that none of their members have ever been convicted of any crime. The trio also announced their intent to take legal action against Gasparro and asserted their stance against genocide in Israel.
Despite their previous trouble, Kneecap expressed disappointment at not being able to perform in Canada next month but affirmed their commitment to speaking out against injustice. The group recently addressed Donald Trump’s visit to the UK during a performance at London’s Wembley Arena.
O hAnnaidh is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court in September, where a ruling will be made regarding the jurisdiction of his case. The Mirror reached out to Kneecap’s representatives for further comments.