Join us for a panel discussion with Dan Lambert, manager of Kneecap, Claire Mc Evoy, Head of Research and Policy at ICCL, and Una Mullally, writer and journalist.
This ICCL event for the Irish Arts and Human Rights Festival will explore limitations on freedom of expression in Ireland and abroad, and the impact of these policies on artistic censorship, particularly in relation to Palestine, and what impact this is having on Ireland’s arts community.
Freedom of expression is under attack
Artists play a crucial role in challenging power structures, amplifying the voices of marginalised groups and facilitating political or social dialogue. Amid the on-going genocide, the rights of individuals to challenge the status quo with protest, direct action, advocacy and artistic expression have never been more essential.
However, freedom of expression is under attack. In recent months, the United States, United Kingdom and Germany have used hate speech and anti-terrorism legislation to criminalise peaceful expressions of solidarity with Palestine.
In the United Kingdom, a member of Kneecap, Liam Og O hAnnaidh (also known as Mo Chara), was charged with a terror offence in May for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London. As a result, the group’s scheduled performances in Germany were cancelled.
The “Kneecap clause”
In Ireland, the Minister for Justice has proposed an amendment to the Criminal Justice (Terrorism Offences) Bill that would revise the definition of “provoking terrorism”. If this new provision is adopted, an individual could be prosecuted for speech that “glorifies” terrorist acts through either “praise or celebration”. This has been dubbed the “Kneecap clause”.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties believes this provision could potentially be used to criminalise political speech, as “glorifying” terrorism does not inherently require any direct call to violence.
This vague language could have a chilling effect on artistic expression.
Speakers will explore:
The intersection of art and politics and the role of artists in challenging power and giving expression to ideas which challenge and provoke.
The current political climate in Ireland and abroad and the impact it is having on artists and artistic expression.
Artistic self-censorship, due to fear of political and media backlash, criminal penalties or visa restrictions.
The human rights frameworks protecting freedom of expression and the State’s responsibility to respect freedom of expression.