Irish rap group Kneecap have been banned from entering Hungary ahead of their scheduled appearance at a music festival.
The group, who are outspoken supporters of Palestine, were due to perform at Sziget Festival on August 11 and remain on the line-up on its website.
Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs wrote on social media platform X that the decision to ban Kneecap was due to its “members repeatedly engage in antisemitic hate speech supporting terrorism and terrorist groups”.
“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.
They claim this is part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide.
The trio – comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh – were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017.
They hit the headlines recently after O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying 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.
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