Latest news with #Kneecap
Roya News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Roya News
British band forms alliance of musicians to advocate for Gaza
A new alliance of prominent UK and Irish musicians, spearheaded by Massive Attack, Brian Eno, Kneecap, and Fontaines D.C., publicly announced its formation. This collective aims to combat what its members describe as "aggressive, vexatious campaigns" of censorship within the music industry, particularly targeting artists who speak out against 'Israel's' ongoing genocide in Gaza. The alliance emphasizes that the situation in Gaza has 'moved beyond description'. The alliance's core mission is to protect artists from "threats into silence or career cancellation" and encourages vulnerable artists to contact them for support. They have outlined concrete demands, including an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, immediate and unfettered access for recognized aid agencies, an end to the 'atrocious targeting' of medical and aid workers, and a cessation of UK arms sales and licenses to 'Israel'. Censorship Campaigns and Recent Incidents The alliance directly addresses "aggressive, vexatious campaigns" and "intimidation tactics" experienced by artists who voice opinions on Palestine. They explicitly name UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) as instrumental in orchestrating these campaigns, including legal threats and reports to law enforcement. The campaign group Led By Donkeys released a documentary on July 17, claiming to expose UKLFI's "attempted censorship activities" and the "weaponisation of antisemitism". The formation of this alliance was directly spurred by several recent, high-profile controversies: Bob Vylan: At the Glastonbury festival, the UK punk-rap duo chanted "Free, free Palestine" and "Death to the IDF." The BBC issued an apology, police initiated a criminal investigation, their agent terminated their contract, and the US Deputy Secretary of State announced a US travel ban. Bob Vylan denied accusations of hate speech, calling the backlash a "distraction" from "the slaughter of innocents" in Gaza. Kneecap: The Irish hip-hop trio gained global attention in May 2025 after projecting "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" at the Coachella festival. They faced a "global political and media witch-hunt," leading to concert cancellations and a terrorism charge against a member for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. However, on July 18, 2025, Avon and Somerset Police announced they were dropping the criminal investigation into Kneecap due to "insufficient evidence". An open letter titled "Artists Say No to Censorship," circulated by Kneecap's record label, garnered widespread support from over 100 US, British, and Irish bands, musicians, and DJs, including Christy Moore, Dexys, Fontaines D.C., Leftfield, Massive Attack, Mogwai, Orbital, Paul Weller, Primal Scream, Brian Eno, Paloma Faith, Kae Tempest, and Tom Morello. Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, asserted that Massive Attack had "launched an attack on our organization, which helps to protect victims of anti-Jewish and anti-Israel racism". UKLFI confirmed reporting Bob Vylan and Kneecap to the police and warning venues about "risks". Massive Attack countered that their visuals were part of a larger collage and taken out of context.
Sunday World
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kneecap in the clear as British police drop Glastonbury Festival ‘riot' probe
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings A criminal investigation into the performance of Belfast rap trio Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival has been dropped by police. Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'. The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival. Yesterday, the group, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer. One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over It said: 'Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.' In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.' Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival. Avon and Somerset Police said: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28. Kneecap at Glastonbury. Photo: PA Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence. 'Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today [Friday July 18]. 'Inquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance.' Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA) During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted 'Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]', while a member of Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support.' Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome of the investigation is 'another example of two-tier justice', and added that the 'start a riot' comment was 'clearly inciting violence'. Kneecap have been in the headlines after Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Kneecap are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestinian stance. Earlier in the week. they announced new tour dates to play their 'biggest run of shows ever' across Scotland, Wales and England.
Irish Independent
17 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Kneecap cleared as British police drop Glastonbury Festival ‘riot' probe
Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'. The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival. Yesterday, the group, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer. One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over It said: 'Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.' In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.' Avon and Somerset Police said: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28. 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence. 'Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today [Friday July 18]. 'Inquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance.' During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted 'Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]', while a member of Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support.' Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome of the investigation is 'another example of two-tier justice', and added that the 'start a riot' comment was 'clearly inciting violence'. Kneecap have been in the headlines after Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Kneecap are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestinian stance. Earlier in the week. they announced new tour dates to play their 'biggest run of shows ever' across Scotland, Wales and England.
Malay Mail
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
UK police end Kneecap Glastonbury inquiry citing ‘insufficient evidence'
LONDON, July 19 — UK police said yesterday they had dropped a criminal investigation into on-stage comments by Irish rappers Kneecap at the Glastonbury festival. Avon and Somerset Police in southwest England said last month it had launched an enquiry after reviewing 'video footage and audio' of both Kneecap and London-based duo Bob Vylan, whose frontman led a chant against the Israeli army at the festival. The Kneecap probe was focused on remarks made about a forthcoming court case in which one band member Liam O'Hanna, known by his stage name Mo Chara, is charged with a 'terror' offence over alleged support for banned organisations Hamas and Hezbollah. But in an update the force said it would take no further action against Kneecap, whose members had been informed of the decision. 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence,' it said. Inquiries into the separate allegations against Bob Vylan, however, would continue, it added. Chara appeared in court in June accused of having displayed a Hezbollah flag while saying 'Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah' at a London concert last year. The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah and the Palestinian group Hamas are banned in the UK, where it is an offence to express support for them. Kneecap deny the terrorism charge and say the video featuring the Hezbollah flag has been taken out of context. — AFP
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Calls for Canada to bar bands Kneecap, Bob Vylan over anti-Israel messages test limits of free expression
Chanting for the death of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert. Cheering for Hamas. Calling on fans in the U.K. to "kill your local MP." These are a few of the things that have a Jewish and Israeli advocacy organization and some Canadian politicians calling for the Irish rap group Kneecap and the British punk rap duo Bob Vylan to be barred from performing in Canada. The two groups are already facing obstacles and restrictions when it comes to touring overseas, while organizations like the Ottawa-based Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) want the federal government to do the same and prevent either act from appearing in Canada. "Performers who glorify terrorism or incite hatred to enter Canada and perform here would send a deeply troubling signal," David Cooper, the organization's vice-president of government relations, said in a letter to federal ministers. Both bands are outspoken about the war in Gaza and both have faced police investigations in the U.K., following recent performances in which they made controversial comments about Israel or appeared to signal support for the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, something they both refute. Fans and supporters have decried what they see as attempts to censor the bands and punish them for protesting Israel's war against Hamas and attacks on Gaza, while critics see them as fuelling antisemitism and hate crimes against Jews. Discussions of whether to block either band from entering Canada show just how tricky it is to navigate the limits of free expression in this country. WATCH | Government reveals plan to combat hate: "The problem with the demand that they be banned is that the way we solve difficult issues in democratic societies is by public discourse, often very difficult, fraught, contentious public discourse," said James Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression based at Toronto Metropolitan University. "And that's always undermined when one side wants to censor the other side." According to Canada's Criminal Code, anyone who makes a statement in a public place that incites hatred against an identifiable group "where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace" is guilty of an indictable offence. Cancellations, visa issues Kneecap is scheduled to play four sold-out shows in Toronto and Vancouver this fall as a part of a tour that includes dates across the U.S. But it's been surrounded by controversy since its performance at the Coachella music festival in California in April, where the Northern Ireland trio projected messages reading "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "f--k Israel, free Palestine" on stage. Then, video re-emerged from a 2023 concert, in London, England, when one member said, "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." The band apologized amid concert cancellations in Europe. Another video appeared to show one of the band members shouting "up Hezbollah, up Hamas" at a 2024 concert in London while wearing a Hezbollah flag over his head. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are designated terror groups in Britain, as well in Canada. The latter incident led to Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known by the stage name Mo Chara, facing a terrorism offence. A British police agency launched investigations into Kneecap and Bob Vylan after their performances last month at the Glastonbury Festival. Avon and Somerset police said Friday it wouldn't be taking action against Kneecap, citing "insufficient evidence," but that its investigation into frontman Bobby Vylan leading audience members in chanting "death, death to the IDF" and "Free Palestine," is ongoing. Bob Vylan has also seen its U.S. visas revoked over what Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau called a "hateful tirade" at Glastonbury . UTA, the band's agent, severed ties after that and it was dropped from some music festivals in Europe. The duo is scheduled to play several U.S. cities on a tour this fall, according to promoter Live Nation's website, but no stops are scheduled in Canada. The CIJA wants the federal government to take a cue from the U.S. The organization says it wrote to federal ministers urging them to bar Kneecap and Bob Vylan from entering Canada because "their conduct violates Canadian hate speech laws" and that they "shouldn't be given a platform here." A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says entry to Canada is assessed on an individual basis and can be denied based on "concerns related to security, human or international rights violations or criminal activity." In an email to CBC News, the ministry said it would not comment on the specific cases of the bands, citing privacy legislation. Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, however, told The Canadian Press he supports the idea and says he has addressed it with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. "It's clear we need certainty that they can't enter the country to incite hatred in Canada," he said. In a post on X last month, Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner, the MP for Calgary Nose Hill, also called on Immigration Minister Lena Diab to deny any requests for Bob Vylan to enter Canada. Neither band should be surprised they are facing calls to be barred from Canada or other countries, said Hen Mazzig, a senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute, an online research centre aiming to combat antisemitism and hate speech. He doesn't believe this is a case of censorship or limiting freedom of speech as he has seen some people suggest. "If an artist crosses the line from political expression into support of terrorism, they shouldn't get a pass just because they are holding a microphone instead of a weapon," he told CBC News in an interview from London. WATCH | Suspect charged in fire attack on members of Colorado's Jewish community: Difficult discussions in democratic societies Turk says the right to freedom of expression has limits when it comes to harassment, discrimination and threats of violence, but "simply saying things that are pro-Palestinian or that pro-Israeli supporters find offensive" is not grounds for denying entry to Canada. The bar for what constitutes hate speech in Canada is quite high, he said, and "the claim that something's hate speech doesn't make it hate speech," adding that you need to closely examine the context of what's being said. Kneecap and Bob Vylan deny they're trying to incite violence or hate. Bob Vylan vocalist and guitarist Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, said in an Instagram post on July 1 that he is "not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people" and that the band is being targetted for speaking up for Palestinians. JJ Ó Dochartaigh, another of Kneecap's members who's known as DJ Próvai, told the Guardian last month that the band wants to "stop people being murdered." "There's people starving to death, people being bombed every day," he said. Turk said that rather than demanding they be barred from Canada, people who oppose Kneecap and Bob Vylan also have the right to protest and voice their criticism at the very place they band's messages are most likely to be heard — their concerts. WATCH | Aid agencies say Palestinians left with an impossible choice — starve or risk being shot:
