UK police investigating Irish rap group after alleged pro-Hamas messages
The UK counterterrorism police are investigating the Irish rap group Kneecap following the emergence of a video in which band members appeared to express support for Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are recognized as terrorist organizations by the US and UK.The group, known for their provocative performances and leftist Irish nationalist themes, has intensified their advocacy for the Palestinian cause since the events of October 7, 2023. They gained notoriety at the Coachella music festival for projecting messages critical of Israel, alleging genocide against Palestinians, though their pro-hamas sentiments were not visibly displayed there.
However, older footage has resurfaced, showing band members leading crowds in chants supporting Hamas and displaying Hezbollah flags at their concerts, leading to the current investigation. Under UK law, expressing support for proscribed groups is a criminal offense. Kneecap, which is based in Belfast, may also face issues in the US, where calls have been made to revoke their work visas due to their rhetoric. the US State Department has indicated that such revocation is a possibility depending on the circumstances.
UK counterterrorism police investigating Irish rap group after alleged pro-Hamas messages
The United Kingdom’s counterterrorism police are investigating a controversial Irish rap group after a video emerged of the members appearing to make statements supporting Hamas and Hezbollah.
Kneecap is known for their provocative sets and left-wing Irish nationalism, including praise of the Irish Republican Army. They leaned heavily into advocacy for the Palestinian cause after Oct. 7, 2023, going further than others by appearing to show tacit support for Hamas and Hezbollah, both of which are designated terrorist groups by the United States and U.K.
The group was launched into headlines during the Coachella music festival after it projected messages highly critical of Israel.
“Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people,” the first message read, followed by, “It is being enabled by the US government who arm and fund Israel despite their war crimes.”
The final message read, “F*** Israel. Free Palestine.”
No pro-Hamas or pro-Hezbollah messages were displayed by the group at Coachella, but the renewed attention resulted in older videos taken of concerts in the U.K. reemerging, posted by analyst Danny Morris with the Jewish security charity, the Community Security Trust.
In the video, someone onstage, allegedly a band member, wore a Hezbollah flag and led the crowd in chanting, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah!”
Other videos, one as recent as Nov. 24, showed the group displaying a Hezbollah flag and leading other chants in favor of the group.
In a statement to Sky News, a U.K. Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the counterterrorism unit was aware of the videos and was investigating.
“We have been made aware of the video and it has been referred to the counter terrorism internet referral unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required,” they said.
Under Section 12 of the U.K.’s Terrorism Act 2000, it’s a crime to express “an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organization.”
Though hostile to the U.K. and supportive of a united Ireland, Kneecap is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Kneecap could also face trouble in the U.S. In a lengthy statement on X, music manager Sharon Osbourne urged the U.S. to revoke their work visas in response to their rhetoric.
“I urge you to join me in advocating for the revocation of Kneecap’s work visa,” she wrote.
A State Department spokesperson told the BBC that such a possibility is on the table.
“Due to privacy and other considerations, and visa confidentiality, we generally will not comment on department actions with respect to specific cases,” they said, adding that the Trump administration “is focused on protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process.”
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“When considering revocations, the department looks at information that arises after the visa was issued that may indicate a potential visa ineligibility under US immigration laws, pose a threat to public safety, or other situations where revocation is warranted,” the State Department spokesperson added.
Previously, in February, Kneecap posted an image on its X account showing one of its members posing with a book collection made up of former Hezbollah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah’s speeches.
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