Systematic Suppression of Freedom of Speech by the United Kingdom—The Case of Kneecap and Croatian Repression

Kneecap

A similar example occurred with our neighbors in Croatia, where Croatian police forcibly removed 17 pro-Palestinian protesters in April 2025. The activists had peacefully blocked the entrance to the Foreign Ministry building in Zagreb, demanding official action against Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

The activists' arrest under the pretext of "disturbing public order" garnered international attention. This case is just one part of a broader global trend of suppressing critical voices that expose states like Israel and their allies.

Kneecap and the Suppression of Free Speech

The Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has become an icon in the fight for freedom of expression. However, their politically charged messages have provoked harsh reactions from governments and corporate interests. In 2024, the British government under Keir Starmer terminated public funding for their project, despite their autobiographical film winning an award at the Sundance Film Festival. The funding restrictions were linked to their criticism of Israel and support for Palestine.

Jeremy Corbyn - UK MP

Glastonbury Festival organizers faced intense pressure from pro-Israel lobbying groups to cancel the group’s performance. This is part of a wider pattern of censorship, including the banning of the film The Big Lie about Jeremy Corbyn, which criticized Israeli policy.

The group is also under police investigation for “threatening” British MPs, despite their statements being satirical in nature. They have received death threats and lost sponsors following performances criticizing Israeli policy.

The Starmer government is actively criminalizing any form of criticism of Israel. Students and activists expressing solidarity with Palestinians are prosecuted under the guise of “supporting terrorism.” Meanwhile, the BBC, under government influence, has reduced coverage of Israeli crimes in Gaza and demonizes anti-war activists. Starmer continues to strengthen anti-protest laws to suppress public opposition to British support for Israel.

Western Patterns of Censorship and Repression

The arrest of 17 activists in Croatia is not an isolated case. The Croatian government follows the example of other Western states that punish political engagement under the pretext of “security.” The protesters were forcibly removed without violence. The criminalization of solidarity reflects a trend of abusing legal mechanisms to protect geopolitical interests.

The Foundations of Democracy Are Crumbling in the West

Kneecap uses language as a tool of resistance, awakening historical consciousness and challenging colonial structures.

Their music and art, such as their film on Israeli apartheid, act as a mirror to the truth—yet they are frequently targeted for censorship and violence.

Performance bans, film censorship, and the criminalization of protest are destroying spaces for dialogue. Suppressing these voices is not just a political tactic but an attack on the foundations of democracy.

As Kneecap declares in their song “Get Your Brits Out” history will judge us based on whether we stayed silent or resisted. Without freedom of expression, societies become authoritarian and lose their moral compass.”