Latest news with #Kneecap
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Rap group Kneecap banned from Hungary before festival
Hungary has banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at a music festival, accusing the band of using antisemitic hate speech and praising Palestinian militant group Hamas. Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere, including in June at Glastonbury Festival in southwest England where their frontman - known by the stage name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes. Israel has denied such accusations. "Hungary's government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget (Festival) ... citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification," government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs wrote on X. Kovacs later posted official letters from immigration authorities banning the band for three years and saying 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. In a post on X critical of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and what it called his "authoritarian government", Kneecap said the decision to ban them was outrageous and a political distraction. "There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country," they said. The band has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and that it condemns "all attacks on civilians, always". Hungary's government had previously 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, had signed a petition protesting against Kneecap's planned performance on August 11. The festival organisers issued a statement calling the government's ban "an unprecedented move which we believe is both unnecessary and regrettable". "Sziget Festival's values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer. Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution," they said. Performers at this year's festival include Post Malone, Shawn Mendes and Charli XCX. Hungary has banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at a music festival, accusing the band of using antisemitic hate speech and praising Palestinian militant group Hamas. Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere, including in June at Glastonbury Festival in southwest England where their frontman - known by the stage name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes. Israel has denied such accusations. "Hungary's government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget (Festival) ... citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification," government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs wrote on X. Kovacs later posted official letters from immigration authorities banning the band for three years and saying 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. In a post on X critical of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and what it called his "authoritarian government", Kneecap said the decision to ban them was outrageous and a political distraction. "There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country," they said. The band has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and that it condemns "all attacks on civilians, always". Hungary's government had previously 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, had signed a petition protesting against Kneecap's planned performance on August 11. The festival organisers issued a statement calling the government's ban "an unprecedented move which we believe is both unnecessary and regrettable". "Sziget Festival's values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer. Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution," they said. Performers at this year's festival include Post Malone, Shawn Mendes and Charli XCX. Hungary has banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at a music festival, accusing the band of using antisemitic hate speech and praising Palestinian militant group Hamas. Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere, including in June at Glastonbury Festival in southwest England where their frontman - known by the stage name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes. Israel has denied such accusations. "Hungary's government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget (Festival) ... citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification," government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs wrote on X. Kovacs later posted official letters from immigration authorities banning the band for three years and saying 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. In a post on X critical of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and what it called his "authoritarian government", Kneecap said the decision to ban them was outrageous and a political distraction. "There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country," they said. The band has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and that it condemns "all attacks on civilians, always". Hungary's government had previously 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, had signed a petition protesting against Kneecap's planned performance on August 11. The festival organisers issued a statement calling the government's ban "an unprecedented move which we believe is both unnecessary and regrettable". "Sziget Festival's values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer. Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution," they said. Performers at this year's festival include Post Malone, Shawn Mendes and Charli XCX. Hungary has banned Irish rap group Kneecap from entering the country to perform at a music festival, accusing the band of using antisemitic hate speech and praising Palestinian militant group Hamas. Belfast-based Kneecap, who regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, have caused controversy elsewhere, including in June at Glastonbury Festival in southwest England where their frontman - known by the stage name Mo Chara - accused Israel of committing war crimes. Israel has denied such accusations. "Hungary's government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget (Festival) ... citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification," government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs wrote on X. Kovacs later posted official letters from immigration authorities banning the band for three years and saying 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. In a post on X critical of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and what it called his "authoritarian government", Kneecap said the decision to ban them was outrageous and a political distraction. "There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country," they said. The band has said previously that its members do not support Hamas or Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, and that it condemns "all attacks on civilians, always". Hungary's government had previously 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, had signed a petition protesting against Kneecap's planned performance on August 11. The festival organisers issued a statement calling the government's ban "an unprecedented move which we believe is both unnecessary and regrettable". "Sziget Festival's values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer. Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution," they said. Performers at this year's festival include Post Malone, Shawn Mendes and Charli XCX.
South Wales Guardian
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Kneecap describe decision to ban them from Hungary as ‘political distraction'
The trio, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget Festival on August 11 and remain on the line-up on its website. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on social media platform X that the decision to ban Kneecap was because the group's 'members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. But in a statement posted on Instagram, Kneecap described the decision to bar them from entry as 'political distraction' and pointed out that none of the group has any criminal convictions. A spokeswoman for Sziget Festival also described the move as 'unnecessary and regrettable'. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution,' she added. The statement from Kneecap said: 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'. 'Which is f****** outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices whenever we see it. 'It's clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.' Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. They claim this is part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide. The statement posted earlier on Thursday by Mr Kovacs said: 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. 'If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' The spokeswoman for Sziget Festival said: 'Following concerns raised by government and pressure groups across Hungary over the past weeks at the prospect of Kneecap performing, we have liaised closely with the band and they reassured us that their performance would not contravene either Sziget's values or Hungarian law. 'Over the past 30 years, Sziget has served as a free and safe place for different cultures, hosting artists and visitors from around the world, earning significant recognition in the international community and enhancing Hungary's reputation. 'We fear that the government's decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide.' Kneecap – comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. They hit the headlines recently after O 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. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but last week Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they would be taking no further action.
North Wales Chronicle
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Kneecap describe decision to ban them from Hungary as ‘political distraction'
The trio, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget Festival on August 11 and remain on the line-up on its website. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on social media platform X that the decision to ban Kneecap was because the group's 'members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. But in a statement posted on Instagram, Kneecap described the decision to bar them from entry as 'political distraction' and pointed out that none of the group has any criminal convictions. A spokeswoman for Sziget Festival also described the move as 'unnecessary and regrettable'. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution,' she added. The statement from Kneecap said: 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'. 'Which is f****** outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices whenever we see it. 'It's clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.' Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. They claim this is part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide. The statement posted earlier on Thursday by Mr Kovacs said: 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. 'If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' The spokeswoman for Sziget Festival said: 'Following concerns raised by government and pressure groups across Hungary over the past weeks at the prospect of Kneecap performing, we have liaised closely with the band and they reassured us that their performance would not contravene either Sziget's values or Hungarian law. 'Over the past 30 years, Sziget has served as a free and safe place for different cultures, hosting artists and visitors from around the world, earning significant recognition in the international community and enhancing Hungary's reputation. 'We fear that the government's decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide.' Kneecap – comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. They hit the headlines recently after O 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. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but last week Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they would be taking no further action.
Rhyl Journal
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Kneecap describe decision to ban them from Hungary as ‘political distraction'
The trio, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget Festival on August 11 and remain on the line-up on its website. Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on social media platform X that the decision to ban Kneecap was because the group's 'members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. But in a statement posted on Instagram, Kneecap described the decision to bar them from entry as 'political distraction' and pointed out that none of the group has any criminal convictions. A spokeswoman for Sziget Festival also described the move as 'unnecessary and regrettable'. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution,' she added. The statement from Kneecap said: 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'. 'Which is f****** outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices whenever we see it. 'It's clear that this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.' Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. They claim this is part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide. The statement posted earlier on Thursday by Mr Kovacs said: 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. 'If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' The spokeswoman for Sziget Festival said: 'Following concerns raised by government and pressure groups across Hungary over the past weeks at the prospect of Kneecap performing, we have liaised closely with the band and they reassured us that their performance would not contravene either Sziget's values or Hungarian law. 'Over the past 30 years, Sziget has served as a free and safe place for different cultures, hosting artists and visitors from around the world, earning significant recognition in the international community and enhancing Hungary's reputation. 'We fear that the government's decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide.' Kneecap – comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. They hit the headlines recently after O 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. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but last week Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they would be taking no further action.
Metro
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Kneecap slam 'outrageous' ban ahead of major music festival
Kneecap has taken aim at the Hungarian government for its 'outrageous' decision to ban them from the country. In recent months the Belfast-based rap group – which consists of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – has come under the spotlight, notably for their vocal support of Palestine. Last month Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, faced Westminster Magistrates' Court after being charged with a terror offence. The 27-year-old has been accused of displaying a flag representing Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation at a gig last November. He has denied the charges. Then after their Glastonbury performance, in which O Caireallain suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, Avon and Somerset Police launched a probe into their set. Although it was announced last week that police had dropped their investigation, the band are again facing another hurdle. Kneecap had been due to play at Sziget Festival in Budapest next month. But earlier today Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs revealed they'd been banned from the country for three years. He said that the decision was made due to Kneecap members 'repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups'. 'Hungary has zero tolerance for antisemitism in any form. 'Their planned performance posed a national security threat, and for this reason, the group has been formally banned from Hungary for three years. If they enter, expulsion will follow under international norms.' A few hours later the band released a statement condemning the move. 'To the tens of thousands of fans who we were buzzing to see in person at Sziget, we're sorry we won't be with you,' they began. 'The authoritarian government of Viktor Orban say we 'pose a national security threat'.' They went on to write that claim was 'f***ing outrageous', adding that the Prime Minister had 'welcomed wanted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu like a hero just a few weeks ago'. 'There is no legal basis for his actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country. We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices when we see it,' they continued. 'It's clear this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people. 'Much like the good people of Budapest, who defied their own President's ban on their 'Pride Parade' in June, we will fight for what is right.' Festival organisers said the decision was 'unnecessary and regrettable' and could serve to 'not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary's standing worldwide'. 'Sziget Festival's values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer,' they wrote in a statement. 'Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution.' Kneecap, who were scheduled to play a set at Sziget's closing day on August 11, have faced the cancellation of several of their shows in the past few months, including the TRNSMT festival in Glasgow, the Eden Project in Cornwall, and Germany's Hurricane Festival and Southside Festival. The band have repeatedly shut down claims they support Hamas and have denied accusations of anti-Semitism. More Trending 'Those attacking us want to silence criticism of a mass slaughter. They weaponise false accusations of antisemitism to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide,' they said. After the investigation into their Glastonbury set, Kneecap said they were being 'targeted' and faced 'state intimidation'. 'We will continue to fight. We will continue to win,' they added. Metro has contacted representatives for Kneecap for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Bob Vylan singer supports Kneecap in first appearance since Glastonbury investigation MORE: Fontaines D.C. fan told to 'put Palestinian t-shirt in the bin' at London gig MORE: Kneecap lead 45,000-strong crowd in anti-Keir Starmer chants after launch of Glastonbury probe
