Kneecap Entry Dispute Fuels Political Fallout in Canada Over Alleged Ban

Kneecap’s Legal Victory Contradicts Canadian Government’s Claim

Kneecap discovered itself on the heart of a political controversy in Ottawa after Canadian officers publicly claimed the Irish Hip-Hop group was barred from getting into the nation—regardless of no formal ban ever being issued.

The Belfast-based trio, recognized for his or her politically outspoken lyrics and help for Palestinian causes, was accused in September by Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary to the immigration minister, of being “ineligible to enter Canada” because of their alleged endorsement of “political violence.”

But that assertion unraveled rapidly. Kneecap’s crew denied the declare outright, calling it “wholly untrue and deeply malicious,” and identified that no official documentation or discover had ever been acquired.

UK Court Tossed Terrorism Charge Against Mo Chara

The controversy traces again to a November 2024 efficiency in London, the place group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh—who performs as Mo Chara—was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag. Both the United Kingdom and Canada classify Hezbollah as a terrorist entity.

However, a UK courtroom dismissed the terrorism cost in September. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring dominated the case “unlawful” and “null” as a result of prosecutors failed to fulfill the submitting deadline.

“This entire process was never about me,” Ó hAnnaidh stated exterior the courthouse. “It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.”

Opposition Demands Answers From Carney Government

The conflicting narratives prompted Melissa Lantsman, deputy chief of the Conservative Party, to name out Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration for what she described as both dishonesty or political retreat.

“Either the parliamentary secretary lied to his constituents and all Canadians knowingly, or the government is cowering now in the face of controversy,” Lantsman stated. “But either way, Canadians deserve an answer from a government that has stood on both sides of this issue.”

Kneecap, shaped in 2017, performs primarily in Irish Gaelic and has drawn criticism for its vocal help of Palestinians and criticism of Israel’s navy actions in Gaza.

Lawmakers and Advocacy Groups Push for Transparency

NDP MP Jenny Kwan questioned the timing of Gasparro’s assertion, which got here earlier than the UK courtroom’s ruling. “Canada needs to make sure that such decisions are accountable and that they’re not subject to arbitrary and political weaponization,” she informed the National Post.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs had already flagged Kneecap’s deliberate Canadian tour, issuing an “action alert” in July to strain the federal government for readability on the group’s admissibility.

Immigration Minister Silent on Specifics

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has refused to touch upon Kneecap’s case, citing privateness legal guidelines. Her division stated people might be denied entry for causes involving “security, human or international rights violations, or criminal activity” however declined to substantiate whether or not any of these utilized to the group.

Gasparro, a former media govt who entered Parliament earlier this 12 months, initially stood by his assertion however has since redirected all inquiries to the broader authorities.

Tour Dates Canceled Amid Ongoing Confusion

Kneecap’s scheduled Canadian exhibits, together with a cease in Toronto, stay canceled. Still, the group maintains that no official ban was ever issued. Their supervisor emphasised the group’s clear authorized file, saying, “Kneecap has NO charges OR convictions in ANY country, EVER.”

As of September 2024, the UK courtroom’s dismissal of the terrorism cost towards Ó hAnnaidh stays the one formal authorized choice within the matter.

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