Latest news with #LiamÓgÓhAnnaidh
The Journal
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Kneecap banned from entering Hungary and accused of 'antisemitism' ahead of major festival
HUNGARY'S RIGHT-WING government has banned Belfast rap trio Kneecap from entering the country over the band's stance on Israel's war in Gaza. Kneecap were due to play the Sziget festival, one of the largest music and arts events in Europe, on Monday 11 August. However, a government minister has confirmed that it has banned the group from entering the country. In a post on X, communications minister Zoltan Kovacs accused the band of 'antisemitism' and 'glorifying terror '. Attached to the post was a copy of the documents outlining the ban, which are written in Hungarian. Kneecap is known for its confrontational style and pro-Palestinian activism. It has criticised Israel for its war in Gaza and have accused the country of committing a genocide against the Palestinian people. It has consistently denied accusations of antisemitism and any connection with terrorism. Band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh currently faces charges in the UK relating to its terror laws, which the band has staunchly denied. Advertisement Ó hAnnaidh, stage name Mo Chara, is due to appear before a judge in London in August . In a separate post, Kovasc said Hungary has a 'duty to protect' Jews living in the country and 'has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form'. He added that if they tried to enter the country, the band members would be deported. Hungary is one of Israel's closest allies in the EU. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has directed police to shut down pro-Palestinian rallies, has removed the country from the International Criminal Court and has welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, to participate in a state visit. The band has yet to respond to the announcement. Sziget is set to take place in Budapest – on the Óbudai-Sziget island on the Danube river – across 6 to 11 August. Kingfishr and Sally C are other Irish acts set to take the stages at the event over the week. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Hungary bans Kneecap ahead of Sziget Festival show
Hungarian authorities have banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at the Sziget Festival, accusing the group of using antisemitic hate speech and praising the Hamas militant group, a government spokesperson said. Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere in recent months, including at Britain's Glastonbury Festival, where frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - known by the name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes. "Hungary's government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget ... citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification," government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács wrote in a post on X. Kovács later posted the official letters from immigration authorities banning the group for three years, claiming that their entry would "seriously threaten national security". In May, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence in Britain for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed Hezbollah. He denies the offence. The group has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Hezbollah and that it condemns "all attacks on civilians, always". Hungary's government had already asked festival organisers to drop Kneecap from the line-up at the week-long event, which draws several hundred thousand music lovers to an island in the River Danube each year. More than 150 artists and cultural figures, including the Academy Award-winning director László Nemes, also signed a petition protesting against Kneecap's participation. Sziget organisers, who said they had not been notified of the government's decision, have resisted the calls to scrap Kneecap's planned performance on 11 August. "Our festival remains true to what we have consistently achieved over the past 30 years: there is no place for hatred, incitement, prejudice, or any form of racism or antisemitism," they said in a statement last week.
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Hungary bans Kneecap from entering country ahead of festival performance
Hungarian authorities have banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at the Sziget Festival, accusing the band of using antisemitic hate speech and praising the Hamas militant group, a government spokesperson said on Thursday. Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere in recent months, including at Britain's Glastonbury Festival, where frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - known by the name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes. "Hungary's government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget ... citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification," government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs wrote in a post on X. Kovacs later posted the official letters from immigration authorities banning the band for three years, claiming that their entry would "seriously threaten national security". In May, Mo Chara was charged with a terrorism offence in Britain for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed Hezbollah. He denies the offence. Kneecap performing during the Glastonbury Festival. Representatives of Kneecap did not immediately reply to requests for comment. The band has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, and that it condemns "all attacks on civilians, always". Hungary's government had already asked festival organisers to drop Kneecap from the line-up at the week-long event, which draws several hundred thousand music lovers to an island in the River Danube each year. More than 150 artists and cultural figures, including Academy Award-winning director Laszlo Nemes Jeles, have also signed a petition protesting against Kneecap's participation. Sziget organisers, who said they had not been notified of the government's decision, have resisted the calls to scrap Kneecap's planned performance on August 11. "Our festival remains true to what we have consistently achieved over the past 30 years: there is no place for hatred, incitement, prejudice, or any form of racism or anti-Semitism," they said in a statement last week. Sziget's other performers this year include Post Malone, Shawn Mendes and Charli XCX. Reuters
Irish Independent
19-07-2025
- 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.
South Wales Guardian
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
No further action to be taken over Kneecap's Glastonbury set
The Irish language rap trio from Belfast featured as part of the Somerset music festival this year. A criminal investigation was launched by Avon and Somerset Police shortly afterwards. It said it had appointed a senior detective to investigate whether comments made on stage amounted to a criminal offence after reviewing footage. Today we informed Kneecap no further action will be taken after an investigation into comments made at Glastonbury Festival. Enquiries continue to be carried out into separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance. Full statement 🔽 However, they said that no further action would be taken as there was "insufficient evidence" for a conviction. Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday 28 June. '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 are known for making pro-Palestinian and political comments during their live performances. 🚨 We are on GENERAL SALE 🚨 We expect many shows to sell out today so be quick! 💥 🎟️ Band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terrorism offence earlier this year. This was for allegedly displaying the flag of the proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig. He has denied the charge. On Friday (July 18), the group posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer. In their caption, they wrote: "One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. Recommended reading: BBC to stop showing 'high risk' performances after Bob Vylan controversy Kneecap respond to 'legend' who streamed their Glastonbury set Will Glastonbury be on in 2026 or is it a fallow year? Organisers reveal all '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 also shared in their statement that enquiries are continuing regarding punk-rap duo Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury. They led the crowd in chants of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]" as part of their set.
