UK rap group Kneecap defy critics with ‘Free Palestine’ chant in Paris

Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, one of whose members faces a British terror charge for allegedly supporting Hezbollah, repeated their criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza during a performance outside Paris on Sunday, despite objections from French Jewish groups and government officials.

The concert, which began just before 6.30pm local time in front of several thousand people in the Paris suburb of Saint-Cloud, went ahead in the face of complaints from the Belfast trio’s critics.

“Free, free Palestine!” the trio shouted at the start of their show, rallying an enthusiastic crowd where keffiyehs and Irish jerseys were visible, before insisting they were not against Israel.

Ahead of the show, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said the authorities would be vigilant for “any comments of an antisemitic nature, apology for terrorism or incitement to hatred” at the event.

During their performance, the band displayed a backdrop in French that said: “The French government is complicit,” accusing it of clearing the way for the sale of weapons to Israel. They posted a photo of the message on social media.

The performance was briefly interrupted as several individuals whistled in protest, with security removing demonstrators from the crowd.