Controversial band can be banned from Budapest’s iconic Sziget Festival – PHOTOS, VIDEO
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Festival organisers say freedom of speech is upheld in Hungary, while the government insists that everyone must obey Hungarian laws—including at Sziget Festival. János Bóka, Hungary’s minister for EU affairs, met personally yesterday with lead organiser Tamás Kádár to discuss the upcoming performance of the Northern Irish group Kneecap, whose appearance has sparked protests—even from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, albeit unsuccessfully. While Sziget organisers are standing firm, a protest has already taken place at the entrance of the festival grounds on Hajógyári Island.
Sziget promises dialogue but holds its ground
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Bóka wrote about his meeting with Tamás Kádár, lead organiser of the Sziget Festival, to discuss the performance by the Northern Irish band Kneecap. In his post, Bóka stressed the organisers’ responsibility to uphold and enforce Hungarian laws with due diligence. Both the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz) and private citizens have previously expressed opposition to the band.
The minister meets with Tamás Kádár:
An estimated 150 demonstrators gathered last Friday afternoon at Hajógyári Island’s entrance, demanding that festival organisers and the Hungarian government cancel the performance. Bóka and Kádár agreed that organisers would engage in dialogue with Hungary’s Jewish community, but it appears the concert will go ahead as planned.
So what’s the controversy with the Northern Irish group? According to Népszava, a 2024 concert video recently resurfaced showing the rappers seemingly praising two terrorist organisations: the Palestinian Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The band denies these allegations, claiming the clips were taken out of context as part of a smear campaign. However, they have openly stood in solidarity with Palestinian civilians.
