British counter terrorism police Thursday launched an investigation into online videos of Irish rap group Kneecap after the band denied supporting Hamas and Hezbollah or inciting violence against UK politicians.

The announcement came as nearly 40 other groups and artists, among them Pulp, Paul Weller and Primal Scream, rallied around the band in an escalating row about political messaging at its concerts.

Other artists who have offered their support include The Pogues, Massive Attack, Dexys and Thin Lizzy.

"As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom," the group said in a joint statement.

They added there had been a "clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform" the trio for their criticism of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, as well as of British colonialism in Ireland and beyond.

Since the row erupted Kneecap has had several concerts........

© Al Monitor