This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/24/kneecap-banned-from-entering-hungary-for-three-years-for-supporting-terrorism

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Kneecap banned from entering Hungary for three years for ‘supporting terrorism’ Kneecap lambast Viktor Orbán over ‘outrageous’ ban from Hungary
(about 2 hours later)
Hungarian government says scheduled performance at Budapest music festival posed a national security threat Band say three-year order is ‘attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people’
The Irish hip-hop band Kneecap have been banned from entering Hungary for three years ahead of their scheduled appearance at a music festival there. Middle East crisis – live updates
The group, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget festival on 11 August. But the Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said it had been banned because their “members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups”. The Irish hip-hop band Kneecap have criticised Hungary’s far-right prime minister, Viktor Orbán, after they were banned from entering the country for three years ahead of a scheduled appearance at a music festival there.
The group, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget festival on 11 August. But the Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said on Thursday they had been banned because their “members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups”.
He 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.”He 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.”
Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Responding in a post on X, the group 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 fucking outrageous coming from a man who welcomed Netanyahu, a wanted war criminal, like a hero just a few weeks ago.
On Saturday, it emerged the group may be dropped from a Live From Wythenshawe Park lineup. They are due to support Fontaines D.C. at the Manchester concert in August. “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 where we see it. It’s clear this is political distraction and a further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.”
A source has suggested talks are in progress between Manchester city council, which runs the park, and the concert’s promoter, over “safety concerns”. Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including at TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The group have claimed the cancellations are part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they have described as genocide. The group – comprising Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017.
Kneecap – comprising Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was recently charged with a terrorism offence over allegations he displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah.
O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was recently charged with a terror offence over allegations he displayed 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”.
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 had “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK.
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.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.