Liam Og O Hannaidh, also known as Mo Chara, was charged by London authorities for allegedly showcasing the flag at a concert in November, which has led to significant controversy. The Metropolitan Police stated that their Counterterrorism unit investigated the incident after receiving reports in April regarding a video from the event. Kneecap firmly rejected the charges, describing them as a “carnival of distraction” and emphasizing their focus on humanitarian issues related to Gaza. The band is set to appear in court next month.
Kneecap Member Faces Terrorism Charges for Hezbollah Flag Display at Concert
Kneecap Member Faces Terrorism Charges for Hezbollah Flag Display at Concert
A member of the hip-hop group Kneecap has been charged with a terrorism offense for displaying a flag supporting Hezbollah during a concert in London. The group denies the allegations, claiming it is politically motivated.
The controversy began when a video from Kneecap’s performance on November 21 surfaced online, showing O Hannaidh appearing with the yellow flag and chanting support for Hamas and Hezbollah. Following the police investigation triggered by the video's circulation, O Hannaidh, charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, faces a potential six-month prison sentence along with a fine if convicted. Kneecap is well-known for its blend of Irish lyrical content with hip-hop and political messaging, often advocating for Irish nationalism. They recently gained acclaim for their fictional drama that won a British Academy Film Award, highlighting their impact in both music and storytelling.
