Kneecap Member Charged Terror Offence London Court

Liam O'Hanna, a member of the Belfast-based Irish-language rap band Kneecap, has been charged by London's Metropolitan Police under the Terrorism Act 2000 for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a 2023 London concert. The band vehemently denies the charge, describing it as political policing aimed at silencing artists who speak out and distracting from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Kneecap emphasized that the flag was thrown on stage and they do not support Hezbollah or Hamas, condemning attacks on civilians. The group criticized British authorities for focusing on their case instead of addressing larger issues such as genocide and starvation in Gaza, accusing them of abetting violence and restricting their freedom of expression. O'Hanna is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court in June, and the band vows to defend themselves, framing the charge as an attempt to limit their ability to travel and share their message globally. The case has sparked debate about artistic freedom, political expression, and the use of anti-terror laws in Britain.