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.
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 its “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.”
Kneecap have had several shows cancelled in recent months, including TRNSMT festival in Glasgow and at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
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.
A source has suggested talks are in progress between Manchester city council, which runs the park, and the concert’s promoter, over “safety concerns”.
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.
Kneecap – comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017.
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”.
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.
