Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, one-third of Irish rap group Kneecap, has been charged with a terror offense within the U.Okay.
Ó Hannaidh, who performs underneath the identify Mo Chara and was a star of Wealthy Peppiatt’s “print the legend” biopic on the Belfast, Eire-based band, is accused of “displaying a flag in assist of proscribed group Hezbollah at a London gig,” in response to the town’s Metropolitan Police, also called Scotland Yard.
The 27-year-old was charged by the police after an incident on Nov. 21, 2024 at a venue in north London. He is because of seem in courtroom on June 18.
The band took to social media after information of the cost. “We deny this ‘offense’ and can vehemently defend ourselves,” stated Kneecap. “That is political policing. It is a carnival of distraction. 14,000 infants are about to die of hunger in Gaza, with meals despatched by the world sitting on the opposite aspect of a wall, and as soon as once more the British institution is concentrated on us.”
Concluded the band: “We’re on the correct aspect of historical past. You aren’t. We’ll battle you in courtroom. We’ll win.”
The group has drawn widespread criticism in current months, and the Met Police stated it will examine after on-line movies confirmed the band calling for the demise of British parliament ministers, in addition to chanting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” It’s unlawful within the U.Okay. to specific assist for Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim political and army group in Lebanon, as it’s thought of a terrorist group in Britain.
Kneecap, which additionally consists of members Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh, stated the video in query has been taken out of context, and that they’ve by no means supported Hamas or Hezbollah.
Final 12 months, the film Kneecap, additionally starring Michael Fassbender, dominated movie headlines. Director Peppiatt made BAFTA historical past by tying the report for nominations for a debut filmmaker with six. He gained one BAFTA — specifically for excellent debut by a British author, director or producer — serving as each author and director of the movie.
However the group’s political beliefs have gotten them into scorching water. In April, they displayed messages concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza throughout their Coachella set, resulting in the cancellation of their live shows in Germany. Later, they parted methods with their reserving company Unbiased Artist Group, sources verify to The Hollywood Reporter.
Kneecap is about to headline the Vast Awake pageant in South London on Friday.
