belfast hip-hop group Kneecap have vowed to continue fighting a legal battle with the British state after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) appealed and subsequently lost a decision to dismiss a terror charge against band member Mo Chara. The group characterized the appeal as part of a “state-wide witch-hunt against Palestinian solidarity.”
The CPS initially charged Chara with encouraging terrorism following a performance in December 2023 where lyrics referenced the Palestinian militant group Hamas. That charge was dropped last month, but the CPS appealed the decision, a move the band condemned as a “massive waste of taxpayers’ money, of police time, of court time.” In a statement following the appeal’s dismissal, Kneecap asserted, ”We will fight you in your court again. we will win again.” The case has drawn attention to the intersection of artistic expression, political speech, and counter-terrorism legislation in the UK.
Kneecap, comprised of Chara, DJ Provaí, and MC Moogai, have consistently denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah, both proscribed terrorist organizations in the UK, and maintain they do not incite violence. Chara has indicated the band is considering legal action against the British state, citing damage to his reputation and loss of earnings resulting from the case.The band framed the legal proceedings as a “distraction” from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating, “Yesterday, 104 Palestinians were murdered in Gaza and hundreds more maimed as Israel commits genocide… This is aided and supported by the British state.” The group’s music often addresses political and social issues, including Irish nationalism and Palestinian solidarity.
