Irish Rap Group Given 14K by Labour Face Terror police investigation for Pro Hamas Chants

[Social Media]

 

An Irish Republican rap group known as Kneecap is at the center of a counter-terrorism investigation following the emergence of footage in which a member appears to praise proscribed terrorist groups. The group, which previously received £14,250 in UK taxpayer funds via the Music Export Growth Scheme, has sparked national outrage after its performance at the 2024 Coachella Festival in California and a separate live gig earlier in the year.

 

 

During their Coachella appearance over Easter weekend, the group displayed the slogan “f--- Israel Free Palestine” as part of their stage visuals. Earlier footage from a different 2024 performance shows a Kneecap member draped in a flag associated with a terror group while apparently shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Both Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as terrorist organizations under UK law.

 

 

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on April 22 that the footage had been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit, a national team operating within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. A spokesperson for the Met said: “We have been made aware of the video today (April 22) and it has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required.”

 

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, it is a criminal offence in the UK to invite support for any proscribed organisation, including Hamas and Hezbollah. The group’s actions have triggered widespread condemnation, particularly as they are scheduled to perform at Glastonbury Festival later this year.

 

Sharon Osbourne, former X Factor judge, publicly criticized the group’s behavior, demanding that their right to perform in the United States be revoked. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch echoed the criticism, accusing the band of “openly glorifying evil terror groups.”

 

Despite their strong pro-Republican and controversial views, Kneecap successfully obtained public funding in 2023. Though Badenoch, then the business secretary, initially blocked their funding application, Labour declined to continue contesting the group's legal challenge. As a result, the group received a £14,250 payout through the government-backed scheme aimed at promoting UK musical acts abroad. Reacting on social media, Badenoch posted: “Labour should apologise for rolling over” during the legal proceedings.

 

The band—comprising Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh—is known for fusing humor with political commentary in their lyrics. However, their previous controversies have raised concern. In 2019, the group made headlines for commissioning a mural depicting a burning vehicle with the caption “the RUC [Royal Ulster Constabulary] are not welcome.” They have also led crowds in chants mocking the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

 

A spokesperson from the Department for Business and Trade stated: “This Government’s priority is to get on delivering the change we promised and protect the taxpayer from further expense, which is why we did not continue to contest Kneecap’s challenge as we did not believe it to be in the public interest.”

 

As investigations proceed, questions continue to mount over how taxpayer money was allocated and whether freedom of expression crosses a legal line when it comes to praising or promoting proscribed terror groups.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-04-25

 

 

[JonnyF]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

The group, which previously received £14,250 in UK taxpayer funds via the Music Export Growth Scheme, has sparked national outrage after its performance at the 2024 Coachella Festival in California and a separate live gig earlier in the year.

 

No surprise Labour would fund this. 

 

I wonder how long before the BBC pays them to participate in a Pro Palestine documentary, while pretending to be unaware of their background. 

[jesimps]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

No surprise Labour would fund this. 

 

I wonder how long before the BBC pays them to participate in a Pro Palestine documentary, while pretending to be unaware of their background. 

cracking down on free speech only applies to the right.