The Canadian government banned the Irish-language rap group Kneecap from the country Friday, saying the group has endorsed political violence and terrorism. The group has faced criticism for political statements seeming to glorify militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, says Kneecap has “publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas” that goes beyond artistic expression. Kneecap has accused critics of trying to silence the band because of its support for the Palestinian cause throughout Israel’s war in Gaza and say they don’t support Hezbollah and Hamas nor condone violence.
