Canada has banned the Irish-language rap group Kneecap, accusing it of endorsing political violence and supporting militant groups, officials said Friday.
Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said Kneecap has “openly supported organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas,” which he stressed goes beyond free expression. “Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and glorification of terrorism,” he added.
The group rejected the accusations, saying it is being targeted for supporting the Palestinian cause during Israel’s war in Gaza. In a statement, Kneecap called Gasparro’s claims “false and malicious” and said it would take legal action.
Kneecap had been scheduled to perform in Toronto and Vancouver next month. Jewish groups in Canada welcomed the ban, while the band’s critics have also pushed for restrictions in the U.S. following their performance at Coachella earlier this year, where they accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
