Kneecap fans protest in support for group member accused of terrorism offence
Irish rap crew Kneecap has taken to the streets of London with a blast of solidarity for a band member due in court on accusations of terrorism after a London gig.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who goes by the stage name Mo Chara, stands accused of brandishing a flag backing Hezbollah at a show in November 2024. The 27-year-old rapper is set to face Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18 after the incident at his gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London.
Óg Ó hAnnaidh is charged with unfurling a flag in public hinting he could be supporting Hezbollah, a group listed as prohibited. However Kneecap slammed the case against their bandmate as a 'witch hunt' in a fiery post on X.
Their social media blitz that took place in the capital included a clip showing a billboard sporting "more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara", which had hit the London scene. Fervent supporters crowded outside the courthouse brandishing "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap" placards.
The assembly featured Palestinian colours alongside Kneecap emblems, erupting in cheers as an ad van cruised by championing the same bold "More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara" catchphrase. The scenes saw protestors marching through the streets in solidarity for the band member.
Austrian fan Alexandra Kennedy made the journey from her homeland to back Kneecap, expressing: "I think that Kneecap are important to so many people that if Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh gets a heavy sentence, then maybe people will lose something, they need the connection to Kneecap."
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Brighton-based copywriter Victoria Ashworth and her daughter Lily also joined the protest. 53-year-old Ms Ashworth shared her thoughts, saying: "I just feel like the charges are utterly ridiculous. I believe in freedom of speech."
The Metropolitan Police have charged Óg Ó hAnnaidh, listed in court documents as Liam O'Hanna, following the emergence of a video from an O2 Forum gig. In a defiant act after being charged with terrorism, Óg Ó hAnnaidh was seen on social media entering the stage with his mouth taped shut.
The Met had previously announced an investigation into Belfast rap group Kneecap after online footage seemed to show them inciting violence against MPs and supporting "up Hamas, up Hezbollah". Kneecap has firmly stated that they have "never supported" either Hamas or Hezbollah, both proscribed organisations in the UK.
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