Irish Hip-Hop Artist Faces Terrorism Charge Over Alleged Hezbollah Flag Display
A member of the acclaimed Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap, known by his stage name Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), has been charged with a terror offence by the Metropolitan Police in the UK. The 27-year-old Belfast artist faces the charge following an incident at a London gig in November 2024, where he is alleged to have displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
The charge against Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who was formally charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service after an investigation by the Met’s counter-terrorism command. Police became aware of an online video purportedly showing the incident on April 22, 2025. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 18.
Context of the Charge: Proscribed Organisations and UK Law
In the United Kingdom, both Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as banned organisations. Expressing support for groups classified under the Terrorism Act is illegal. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, is a Shia Muslim political party and paramilitary group involved in numerous conflicts and is internationally recognised as a terrorist organisation by several countries.
This charge comes amidst heightened scrutiny surrounding Kneecap. Earlier in May, the Metropolitan Police announced they were investigating separate online videos allegedly showing the band calling for the death of British MPs and chanting slogans like “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Police are reportedly still investigating footage from another concert from November 2023.
Band Denies Support Amidst Rising Controversy
In response to the allegations and police investigations, Kneecap has issued statements denying any support for either Hamas or Hezbollah. They maintain that they would not incite violence against any individual and claim the videos in question have been taken out of context, accusing “establishment figures” of deliberately creating “moral hysteria.”
The group has faced a series of controversies recently, impacting their performances and sponsorships. At the Coachella festival in April 2025, the band drew significant criticism for displaying messages about the war in Gaza, including “f*ck Israel” and “free Palestine.” This led to them being dropped by their sponsor and booking agent, Independent Artist Group (IAG). Following the Coachella events, former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne publicly called for their US work visas to be revoked.
Several of Kneecap’s scheduled gigs have been cancelled since the contentious videos and criticisms emerged. British lawmakers have also reportedly urged organisers of events like Glastonbury to cancel the band’s appearances.
Adding a political dimension, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch shared one of the videos, renewing past criticism of the Labour government for settling a legal case brought by the band last year. That previous dispute related to Ms Badenoch’s decision, while serving as a minister, to withdraw an arts grant from the group.
About Kneecap: Provocative Rap Trio Gains International Profile
Kneecap, formed in Belfast in 2017 by Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, are known for their unique Irish-speaking rap style and provocative, often politically charged, lyrics and merchandise. They are seen by some as playing a significant role in revitalising the Irish-language cultural scene in Northern Ireland, a region where the status of the language remains a sensitive political issue. The group identifies as pro-Irish Republican and pro-Palestinian.
Their journey and rise to prominence inspired a semi-fictionalised biopic film, also titled “Kneecap.” The movie, which features the band members and stars actor Michael Fassbender, blends elements of music, politics, and humour. The film has garnered international attention, winning an audience award at the Sundance Film Festival and the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer in February 2025. This increased profile has likely contributed to the wider attention surrounding the charges and controversies the band now faces.
Despite the legal challenges and cancellations, Kneecap is currently still listed to headline the Wide Awake festival in Brockwell Park, south London, on the upcoming Friday.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2qq2n3800o
- https://deadline.com/2025/05/kneecap-band-member-charged-terror-offence-uk-1236407645/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2qq2n3800o
- https://news.sky.com/story/member-of-kneecap-charged-with-terror-offence-13369377
- https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/member-irish-rap-trio-kneecap-charged-terror-offense-122047444
