Overview

• The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing announced a three-year entry ban on Kneecap, citing a serious threat to national security
• Government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács stated on X that the measure responds to alleged antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah Sziget Festival organisers condemned the ban as unnecessary and regrettable, arguing the band’s performance would not contravene festival values or Hungarian law
• Kneecap maintains it condemns all attacks on civilians and denies supporting Hamas or Hezbollah despite mounting cancellations and visa threats
• Member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh faces a terrorism-related charge in Westminster Magistrates’ Court for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag; he denies the offence and is due to reappear on August 20