Irish Rapper Faces Court on Terrorism Charge
Flag Display Leads to Legal Battle
A member of the Irish rap group, Kneecap, is scheduled to appear before a London court today, facing a terrorism-related charge. The case stems from an incident last year where a flag was allegedly displayed during a performance.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, was charged last month. He is accused of displaying a flag associated with Hezbollah during a concert at the O2 Forum in north London on November 21st of the prior year.
Kneecap are due to be in court on Monday, but their legal team is already in place. https://t.co/G4jQj6uS6w
— Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 24, 2024
The police began an investigation after viewing an online video from the event in April. The 27-year-old artist is charged with displaying the flag “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation.”
“The charges are political and intended to silence the group.”
—Mr. Ó hAnnaidh
According to a 2023 report, the UK has seen a 40% increase in counter-terrorism arrests in the past five years (UK Gov).
Legal Team and Group Response
Mr. Ó hAnnaidh denies the allegations, calling them politically motivated and an attempt to silence the group. Kneecap has vowed to fight the charges, stating that the flag was “thrown” onto the stage.
In a social media post, the group said the anti-terrorism law is being used to “restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out”. Kneecap has described the charges as a “carnival of distraction” from the events in Gaza.
Mr. Ó hAnnaidh’s legal representation includes Gareth Peirce, known for representing Gerry Conlon and the Guildford Four, along with Julian Assange’s solicitor, and Rosalind Comyn, who has worked on Extinction Rebellion cases.
The legal team also features Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law, Brenda Campbell KC, Jude Bunting KC and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, who was part of South Africa’s legal team in the case against Israel, accusing the country of genocide.
The case highlights the intersection of art, politics, and legal challenges, and it is being watched closely as it unfolds in court.
