Liam Og O Hannaidh, a prominent figure in Northern Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, has found himself at the center of a legal controversy as London authorities charged him with a terrorism offense. The charge comes after claims that he displayed a Hezbollah flag during a concert at the O2 Forum last November, an act London’s Metropolitan Police classify as illegal under anti-terrorism laws.
The investigation reportedly began in April, prompted by an online video of the concert where Hannaidh, under his stage name Mo Chara, was seen wrapping a yellow flag around himself. The performance, which included lyrics exalting both Hamas and Hezbollah, has resulted in Mr. O’Hanna being charged, with the possibility of facing six months in prison alongside a financial penalty if convicted.
While Kneecap has acknowledged the legal developments, they vehemently refute the allegations, asserting that this is merely a case of "political policing." In a statement shared via social media, the group emphasized that the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, amidst severe restrictions on aid, should take precedence over their legal troubles, stating, “We are not the story. Genocide is.”
The court summons for Hannaidh has been issued, with a hearing scheduled at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18. Additionally, the police are examining further video footage from a separate Kneecap performance in London from 2023, potentially expanding the scope of their inquiry.
Founded in Belfast, Kneecap has garnered attention for its unique blend of Irish lyrics and contemporary hip-hop beats, while maintaining a stance for Irish nationalism in its politically charged messaging. The trio has made waves not only in music, but also in film, as they starred in a drama about their journey which recently earned them a British Academy Film Award. Amid this brewing controversy, Kneecap was slated to headline the Wide Awake festival in London.
