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Canada Bans Irish Rap Group Kneecap Over Terror Allegations

Canada Bans Irish Rap Group Kneecap Over Terror Allegations
Above: Mo Chara outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Aug. 20, 2025. Image copyright: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Canada made the right call in protecting its citizens from dangerous extremists masquerading as artists. When performers openly chant "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" and wave terrorist flags at concerts, they cross the line from legitimate political expression into glorifying violence against innocent people. The government has a duty to keep out those who promote hatred and terrorism, especially when one member faces actual terror charges in the U.K.

Government-critical narrative

This ban is akin to authoritarian censorship and targets voices opposing genocide in Gaza. Kneecap promotes Indigenous Irish language and anti-colonial solidarity, not terrorism — the government conflates legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism to silence Palestinian supporters. Canada systematically suppresses free expression about Palestine while ignoring that no band member has ever been convicted of any crime anywhere.


The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.15.2

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.15.2