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TORONTO: Irish rap group Kneecap was banned from entering Canada this week, with the country’s government saying the band “publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.”

The group has faced criticism for political statements seeming to glorify militant groups and has previously been banned from Hungary.

Liberal lawmaker Vince Gasparro, parliamentary secretary for combating crime, said in a social media video: “Canada stands firmly against hate speech, incitement to violence and the glorification of terrorism. Political debate and free speech are vital to our democracy, but open endorsements of terrorist groups are not free speech.”

Kneecap has accused critics of trying to silence the band because of its support for the Palestinian cause. Its members say they do not support Hezbollah or Hamas, and nor do they condone violence.

In an Instagram post, Kneecap said Gasparro’s comments were “wholly untrue and deeply malicious.”

“We have today instructed our lawyers to initiate legal action against you,” said the band’s statement. “We will be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusation to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel.”

Kneecap was scheduled to perform in Toronto and Vancouver next month. The group performed at Coachella in April when members accused Israel and the US of genocide against Palestinians, prompting calls to revoke their visas and leading to several canceled shows.

MAKKAH: Rashida Rashid Ali Al-Rashidi has turned a passion for needle and thread into a unique and authentic identity that has resulted in global recognition.

Al-Rashidi, or Umm Nasser, told Arab News recently: “The story began with a simple love for embroidery, which to me was a hobby that kept me occupied and comforted me.

“As the years passed, I realized that this hobby carries a greater value, much more significant than a thread and needle. It is an identity and a form of creativity that can make a difference in people’s lives.”

She said that she looked for ways to improve her skills.

“I received a professional practitioner license, a train-the-trainer certificate, and a freelancer permit. These steps were very important to me because they boosted my self-esteem and made me feel as though I was standing on solid ground.”

Al-Rashidi has participated in numerous events and collaborated with many entities, including the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority, and the Harakia Association for Adults with Physical Disabilities.

Partnering with Adidas was one of my most beautiful milestones, where I designed a special shoelace that carries my unique touch. It was a turning point for me, and I felt that the thread which began in a small home was able to cross the borders and reach international platforms.

Rashida Al-Rashidi

She has also worked with the Dates Festival, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Lamma and Fallah Festival, Ayamna El-Helwa Festival, as well as national celebrations and a graduation project at the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University.

“With every participation, I felt part of a big picture, and that my simple work left an impact on people, while adding a touch of beauty and a sense of pride in our heritage,” she said.

She recently received global recognition for her work. “Partnering with Adidas was one of my most beautiful milestones, where I designed a special shoelace that carries my unique touch.

“It was a turning point for me, and I felt that the thread which began in a small home was able to cross the borders and reach international platforms.”

Al-Rashidi said she has launched her work under the name Al-Thawq Al-Rafeea (The Sophisticated Taste), a brand offering handmade products inspired by Sadu embroidery.

She explained: “I wanted to combine the authenticity of heritage with the spirit of modernity. That’s why I designed abayas with a touch of Sadu, so this timeless art remains present in people’s everyday lives, but with a modern twist that appeals to all tastes.”

Al-Rashidi added: “My message to anyone with a dream is to hold onto it. When a dream is accompanied by perseverance, it can turn into a success story and might become a source of inspiration for someone else without you realizing it.”

She said her achievements are a result of the support from her family and community, and wants to honor them.

“Every thread I wove carried a dream, and every embroidery I crafted carried a message. Today, I feel like I am still at the beginning of this journey, and I still have a lot to offer.”