"Hungary has zero tolerance for all forms of anti-Semitism," the centre said in a statement, adding that a concert by the group planned for Hungary would "violate the country's national security interests".

Should Kneecap members enter the country despite the ban, they would be expelled from the country, the statement added.

Man apprehended over making bomb threat as a result of Kneecap ban

A young man from Dunaujvaros, central Hungary, has been apprehended for making threats of a bomb attack at Parliament because he did not like Hungary's ban of members of the music group Kneecap, police said.

The Budapest police headquarters said that the man aged 26 had posted comments on July 26, saying that he would explode a home-made bomb at Parliament because Kneecap members had been banned to visit Hungary.

He was apprehended by police at his place of residence on the same day. Police seized IT equipment at the site and the man admitted posting the comments but refused to make a detailed statement. A procedure has been launched against him for making threats of committing an act of terrorism.

From the Sziget Festival Team: 

"At 11:00 AM today, we received official notification that the Hungarian government is denying entry to the band Kneecap, thereby preventing their scheduled performance at Sziget Festival on August 11.

This is an unprecedented move, which we find both unnecessary and regrettable.

In recent weeks, the prospect of Kneecap performing sparked concern from the government and various pressure groups in Hungary. In response, we remained in close contact with the band, who assured us that their performance would not conflict with either Sziget’s core values or Hungarian law.

We have previously stated that while Sziget firmly upholds its core values and condemns hate speech, we also guarantee every performer the fundamental right to artistic expression.

We believe that cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the answer.

Over the past 30 years, Sziget has become a free and safe meeting place for diverse cultures. We have welcomed world-renowned artists and visitors from across the globe. Through this openness and cultural diversity, Sziget has earned international recognition and contributed positively to Hungary’s reputation.

We are concerned that today’s decision by the government to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but could also negatively impact Hungary’s international standing.

Sziget Festival remains committed to doing everything it can to ensure it continues to be, in every sense, the Island of Freedom."

The band has responded, calling PM Viktor Orbán’s decision "fucking outrageous", especially after he recently welcomed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu "like a hero", whom they called a war criminal. 

According to the Hungarian government the trio pose a national security risk, while the band claim that PM Orbán’s rule is authoritarian. 

The band highlighted there is no legal basis for the ban, as none of its members have been convicted of any crimes. 

They stated that in fact they advocate for love, solidarity, and the fight against injustice.

The band added that they are against hate speech and concluded their statement simply with, “Fuck Viktor Orbán”.

According to hvg.hu, if they still come they would be violating the Hungarian immigration authority’s decision. They could still appeal the ban in court but the case would not be resolved by the Sziget concert date of 11 August.

Mazsihisz, the federation of Jewish communities in Hungary, welcomed the government's ban. They said "anti-Semitic hate speech and propaganda inciting against Israel has no room in Hungarian public life", adding that "such content cannot be argued for on the ground of freedom of speech."

The Jewish federation thanked the "civil activists, artists, music groups, public figures and politicians" that protested against Kneecap's appearance in Budapest.

*********************************

You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: 

Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoop’s groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary

You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters

Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop:

As an independent portal we’re grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.