"Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said Kneecap has publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas that goes beyond artistic expression. Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and the glorification of terrorism, Gasparro said in a video on social media. Political debate and free speech are vital to our democracy, but open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech."
"They say they don't support Hezbollah and Hamas nor condone violence. Kneecap responded in an Instagram post, saying that Gasparro's comments are wholly untrue and deeply malicious. We have today instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against you, the band's statement said. We will be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusation to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel."
The Canadian government banned the Irish-language rap group Kneecap, citing the group's endorsement of political violence and terrorism, including apparent support for Hezbollah and Hamas. Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro said the group's public displays of support go beyond artistic expression and that endorsements of terrorist groups are not protected speech. Kneecap denied supporting Hezbollah or Hamas and called the accusations malicious, announcing plans for legal action. The band had planned concerts in Toronto and Vancouver. Kneecap's prior Coachella comments accusing Israel of genocide led to canceled gigs and calls to revoke visas.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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