Irish Band Kneecap Barred From Entering Canada for ‘Glorifying’ Terrorism: MP

The federal government has deemed band members from the Irish rap group Kneecap ineligible to enter Canada over concerns it has glorified terrorist organizations.

The announcement came by way of Liberal MP Vince Gasparro on Sept. 19, who said on social media that the group has “engaged in actions and have made statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws that have caused deep alarm to our government.”

Gasparro, who serves as parliamentary secretary for combatting crime, added that Kneecap has “amplified political violence” and displayed support for organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. The two groups are listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code.

Gasparro said that freedom of expression is protected by the Charter, including criticism of foreign governments, but “glorifying terrorist organizations and displaying hate symbols that directly target the Jewish community are not protected forms of expression and will not be tolerated by our government.”

“I am announcing that effective immediately, the members of Kneecap have been deemed ineligible to enter Canada,” he added.

Immigration Canada, which handles the issuance of visas, would not comment specifically on the matter, citing privacy reasons.

“Canadians’ safety will always be our top priority,” spokesman Remi Lariviere nonetheless told The Epoch Times in an email. “Entry to Canada may be refused for a number of reasons, including concerns related to security, human or international rights violations, or criminal activity.”

Kneecap had four dates planned in Canada in October with stops in Toronto and Vancouver.

The group had already cancelled its October tour in the United States due to band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara, facing a terrorism charge in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Kneecap has announced upcoming sold-out shows in Paris and Amsterdam.

Ó hAnnaidh allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a show in London in November 2024. A video of the event also shows him saying, “Up Hamas! Up Hezbollah!” The two groups are also proscribed in the UK. Ó hAnnaidh has denied the offence.

The band has been outspoken in its support of the Palestinian cause and has accused Israel of committing genocide. The group said on Sept. 19 it has requested that its record label remove all its songs from streaming services in Israel, as part of the “No Music for Genocide” cultural boycott of Israel.

The Epoch Times contacted the group’s manager and agent for comment but didn’t hear back by publication time.

Jewish advocacy groups had called on Ottawa to deny entry to the band members, and welcomed Gasparro’s announcement on Sept. 19.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said Ottawa made the right decision as “incitement, hate and radicalization” should have no place on airwaves, campuses, and stages. “Governments must continue to act decisively to protect Canadians from terrorist groups, violent extremists, and their supporters here in Canada,” the group said in a Sept. 19 statement.

B’nai Brith Canada also thanked the government for recognizing its concerns and those of other Canadians. “No one should be permitted to use Canada as a platform to indoctrinate Canadians with their extremist and dangerous ideology and to incite hatred in this country,” the group said on social media.

Attacks against Jews currently make up the bulk of religiously motivated hate crimes in Canada. Incidents have been on the rise since Hamas conducted raids inside Israel in October 2023, which was met by ongoing retaliation from Israel.

Jewish institutions have been attacked by gunshots and arson in several cities, while Jews have also faced physical attacks. The latest major case was an elderly Jewish woman stabbed while grocery shopping in Ottawa. Police are investigating the matter as a “hate-motivated” incident.