Kneecap Rapper Charged Over Hezbollah Flag at London Gig
Irish artist Mo Chara to face court for alleged banner display during last November’s show
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Police Charge Over Flag Display
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, one-third of Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap, has been charged with a terrorism offence by London’s Metropolitan Police. He allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a concert at the Electric Ballroom in November, prompting an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
He was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June. In a statement, the force said the 27-year-old from Belfast faces an offence under section 13(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2000, which covers the display of flags or symbols in support of proscribed organisations.
Background On Kneecap
Formed in Belfast in 2017, Kneecap blend Irish-language rap with left-wing politics and satirical lyrics. Alongside Mo Chara, the group includes Móglaí Bap (Ciarán Ó Maoláin) and DJ Próvaí. They quickly earned a following for tracks like “C.E.A.R.” and “Get Your Brits Out,” using their music to critique British rule in Northern Ireland and champion republican ideals.
In recent years, Kneecap have repeatedly courted controversy with political statements from the stage. Their music videos often feature murals of republican heroes, and they have publicly supported campaigns calling for the release of prisoners and the end of arms sales to Israel.
Met Police Investigation
British authorities opened a file after spectators recorded the Hezbollah flag draped across the stage at the November show. According to the Met statement, officers worked with counter-terrorism specialists to verify that Hezbollah is listed as a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK.
Mo Chara was identified from video footage and charged earlier this month. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison for displaying the symbol in a public place with the intent of encouraging support for the group.
Instagram Post From Kneecap’s Circle
Shortly after the gig, Kneecap associate and tour documentarian Tadhg Hickey (@tadhghickeycml) shared an image on Instagram showing Mo Chara performing with the flag behind him: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7pCOMosNS/. The post’s caption simply reads: “Mo Chara live in London, November ’23.”
Fans reacted with a mix of applause for the band’s boldness and concern over potential legal fallout. Commenters noted that the display aligned with Kneecap’s history of provocative on-stage visuals.
Band’s Political Activism
Kneecap’s activism extends beyond Ireland’s borders. In April, the group reposted a call from DAMPL and the Global Intifada Movement urging “all conscious people” to join emergency stand-outs in response to the crisis in Gaza. That Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ6VqB4oEgj/) highlighted their solidarity with Palestinian civilians and framed their art as part of a broader protest movement.
Observers say the band’s fusion of cultural pride and international issues has set them apart in Europe’s hip-hop scene. Publications like The Guardian and NME have praised their incendiary style, though critics warn that aligning with proscribed groups can carry serious legal risks.
Court Date And Possible Outcomes
Mo Chara is scheduled before Judge Nina Tempia at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 June. Prosecutors will argue that displaying the Hezbollah emblem was intended to support a terrorist organisation. The defence may contend it was an act of artistic expression or political speech.
Legal experts say cases under section 13 of the Terrorism Act often hinge on proving intent. In past trials, defendants have avoided conviction by demonstrating they lacked the purpose to encourage or glorify extremist causes.
Whatever the outcome, the case spotlights the fraught intersection of music, politics and free expression in the UK. It also raises questions about how far artists can push boundaries before their work crosses into criminal territory.
Mo Chara’s spotlight moment now shifts from sold-out venues to a courtroom bench. Fans and free-speech advocates will be watching closely as his trial unfolds later this summer.
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