Hungarian government bans hip-hop trio Kneecap over anti-Semitism allegations

Belfast-based hip-hop trio Kneecap has faced a sharp backlash from the Hungarian government, which banned the group from entering the country on the eve of a performance at the Sziget festival in Budapest. The reason for the ban was the accusation of supporting Hamas’ actions, which arose after the group’s previous speeches.

Secretary of State Zoltan Kovacs has publicly stated that the group is "officially banned from entering Hungary for anti-Semitism and glorification of terror." Authorities say Kneecap's appearance at the festival posed a national security threat and the ban is in effect for three years.

The organizers of the Sziget festival expressed their bewilderment and denounced the decision, stressing that the band had provided assurances that their performances were in line with the values of the festival and Hungarian laws. Kneecap is known for its radical satirical rap and political protests. Their work, which included the single "Get Your Brits Out", also sparked controversy, and their success led to the creation of a film about their lives and activities.