UK Kneecap band member in court facing terror charge

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Kneecap Band Member Faces Terror Charge Over Flag Display as Supporters Rally Outside Court

 

A member of the Belfast-based rap group Kneecap appeared in court on Wednesday to face a terror-related charge stemming from an incident during one of the band’s concerts in November 2024. Liam O’Hanna, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in a manner that allegedly indicated support for the proscribed organisation.

 

 

As O’Hanna, 27, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, a group of supporters gathered outside, many wearing balaclavas and waving a combination of Palestinian and Kneecap flags. The scene grew tense when a pro-Israel protester approached the group draped in an Israeli flag, leading to a chorus of boos, angry shouts of “free Palestine,” and swearing from the crowd. Police quickly intervened to remove the counter-protester.

 

 

The charge against O’Hanna specifically alleges that he displayed the Hezbollah flag in a public setting “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation,” which in this case refers to Hezbollah, banned in its entirety in the United Kingdom.

 

 

The group has denounced the prosecution, calling it politically motivated and a form of harassment. In a statement posted Tuesday night on X, formerly Twitter, Kneecap referred to the case as a “witch hunt.” The post featured a video of a London billboard with the message: “more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara,” appearing to draw parallels between historic discrimination and their current legal troubles.

 

 

According to the Metropolitan Police, O’Hanna was charged following an investigation that began after a video from the concert surfaced online. The footage reportedly showed the controversial moment when the flag was allegedly displayed. Prior to this, the police had already confirmed that Kneecap was under investigation after clips from the same performance circulated online appearing to show members of the band shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and calling for the deaths of Members of Parliament.

 

In response to the allegations, Kneecap has stated unequivocally that they “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah. Both groups are designated as terrorist organisations by the UK government, and public expressions of support for them can be prosecuted under counter-terrorism laws.

 

The case has sparked debate around artistic expression, political dissent, and the limits of free speech in the UK. While supporters of the band view the charges as an overreach and a form of political suppression, authorities maintain that the investigation was initiated in accordance with the law after concerns were raised over potentially inflammatory and illegal conduct during a public event.

 

O’Hanna has not yet entered a plea, and the case is expected to return to court in the coming weeks.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph  2025-06-19

 

 

[mikeymike100]

"Artistic expression".........as is they know what that is?

"the investigation was initiated in accordance with the law after concerns were raised over potentially inflammatory and illegal conduct during a public event."

So if found guilty.... a few years in prison??

[Dionigi]

Never supported them but both wearing keffeyas that are associated both with Hezbollah and Hamas.