### **Kneecap Banned from Hungary Over Alleged „Antisemitic Hate Speech”**
Irish rap group Kneecap has been banned from entering Hungary for three years, according to Hungarian government spokesman Zoltán Kovács. The ban, posted on X (formerly Twitter), cited the trio’s alleged „antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups,” claiming their scheduled performance at Budapest’s Sziget Festival posed a „national security threat.” Kneecap denied the accusations, stating no member has ever been convicted of a crime and criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government as „authoritarian.” They also condemned Orbán for recently hosting Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu „like a hero.”
### **Sziget Festival Condemns „Unprecedented” Ban**
Sziget Festival organizers called the ban „unnecessary and regrettable,” emphasizing their commitment to artistic freedom while condemning hate speech. They stated that Kneecap had assured them their performance would align with Hungarian law and festival values. The group, known for their outspoken support of Palestine, has faced backlash since displaying anti-Israel messages at Coachella earlier this year. This led to renewed scrutiny over a past incident in London, resulting in member Mo Chara facing a UK terror charge related to alleged Hezbollah support. Kneecap denies supporting Hamas or Hezbollah, calling the charge „political policing.”
### **Kneecap’s Political Stance and Legal Troubles**
Kneecap, composed of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, gained fame with their 2024 album *Fine Art* and a semi-autobiographical film. Their politically charged lyrics and activism have drawn both praise and controversy. Following the Hungary ban, they vowed to „fight for what is right,” comparing their situation to Budapest’s Pride Parade defying government restrictions. With Mo Chara’s court case set for August 20, the group remains defiant, framing their legal and political challenges as attempts to silence criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://thequietus.com/news/kneecap-banned-from-entering-hungary/.