- The Canadian government has banned the Belfast rap trio Kneecap from entering the country, citing concerns over their alleged glorification of terrorist organisations.
- Vince Gasparro, Canada's Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime, announced the ban, stating the group's actions and statements, including alleged support for Hezbollah and Hamas, are contrary to Canadian values.
- Kneecap vehemently denied the accusations, labelling them 'wholly untrue and deeply malicious', and announced their intention to initiate legal action against Gasparro.
- The group stated that no member has ever been convicted of any crime and pledged to donate any court winnings to assist child amputees in Gaza, linking the accusations to their opposition to 'genocide being committed by Israel'.
- This decision follows previous controversies involving the band, including a member facing charges in the UK for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and a recent London concert featuring a message referencing a person who permits 'slaughter'.
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