Liam Og O'Annaidh, also known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged by the Metropolitan Police in connection with an incident that occurred at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on November 21, 2024. The 27-year-old from Belfast, Northern Ireland is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at the show.
Hezbollah is a proscribed terrorist organization in the UK, and expressing support for it is considered a criminal offense, reports the BBC.
The charge follows an investigation by the Met’s counter-terrorism command, which became involved after a video from the event surfaced online on April 22.
Authorities reviewed the footage and referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, which then authorized the charge. He has been formally charged under the name Liam O’Hanna and is scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
Kneecap responded publicly via social media, stating: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves." The group added, "This is political policing," and continued: "This is a carnival of distraction. 14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us."
The Metropolitan Police had previously announced they were examining videos that allegedly captured members of the group expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah and calling for violence against British Members of Parliament. Both groups are outlawed in the UK, and the law prohibits any statements or actions that endorse them.
Kneecap has denied ever supporting Hamas or Hezbollah and said the video clip has been misrepresented. They also stated they have never encouraged violence against anyone.
Since the controversy began, several scheduled performances by the band have been canceled. Despite this, they are still slated to headline the Wide Awake festival in Brockwell Park, South London, on Friday.
Known for mixing political themes with music, Kneecap has drawn attention in recent years for their use of provocative lyrics and merchandise. The group performs in Irish and has built a following both for their activism and their style.
