Kneecap banned from entering Canada over alleged glorification of terrorist organisations

Canada on Friday barred Kneecap, the Belfast rap trio known for provocative lyrics and a pro-Palestine stance, from entering the country, saying their actions and statements have been contrary to Canadian values and laws. In a video posted on social media, Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, announced that the group has been deemed ineligible to enter Canada with immediate effect. He said Kneecap had amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas, adding that this is not an expression of art or legitimate political critique. Gasparro also noted that one member of the band is facing terrorism-related charges in the United Kingdom. While criticizing foreign governments is protected under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, he said advocacy of political violence and hate symbols directed at the Jewish community are not protected.

The members of Kneecap — Naoise O Caireallain, Liam Og O hAnnaidh, and JJ O'Dochartaigh — issued a statement on X, titled “A Message to Vince Gasparro,” saying the accusations are wholly untrue and deeply malicious and announcing they would pursue legal action. They asserted that none of them has ever been convicted of a crime in any country and pushed back on claims of antisemitism, noting coverage in The Times that described a London headline show as “emphatically anti-sectarian.” The trio said they would donate any damages from a successful suit to help Gaza’s child amputees. They also said Canadian immigration authorities had requested information from them, which they provided, and argued that officials misrepresented the case to their fans.

The ban comes amid a year of controversy for Kneecap, including an April incident in which footage appeared to show a band member saying “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a gig, and a June Glastonbury Festival set that was investigated by police but where authorities later said they would take no further action. The Canadian decision feeds into a broader debate about where artistic expression ends and support for political violence begins. Kneecap has defended its stance as political commentary and said it will continue to perform while pursuing legal action to clear its name. The group has built a following for its confrontational style and solidarity with Palestinian rights, a stance that has sparked strong reactions across Europe and beyond.

In the United Kingdom, O hAnnaidh is due back in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 26, with Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring scheduled to decide whether he has jurisdiction to try the case. The latest developments unfold as Kneecap’s supporting acts and appearances continue in various venues, including previous appearances at major venues where the group has used provocative visuals and messages to address political issues. The band’s latest public statements also referenced U.S. political figures, including a recent London show that featured a message criticizing the visit of Donald Trump to the United Kingdom and the broader context of international violence.

The episode highlights ongoing tensions between free expression and security concerns in a global music scene where artists increasingly navigate politics in public spaces. While Canadian authorities say the ban is necessary to uphold national values and laws, Kneecap maintains that their work is a legitimate form of protest and artistic critique. As legal proceedings unfold in the UK and timing around potential rescheduled tours remains uncertain, observers will be watching how Canada’s decision influences other performers who blend provocative politics with provocative performances. The world continues to watch how governments balance security aims with fundamental rights as artists push the boundaries of political discourse on stage and online.