Kneecap member charged with terrorism for waving Hezbollah flag at concert

In the United Kingdom, Liam O hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert held at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on November 21, 2024. The Metropolitan Police pressed charges after investigating video footage from the concert, which the group claims was taken out of context. Kneecap has vocally expressed their support for Palestine, sparking controversy and backlash, including the cancellation of several of their shows due to safety concerns. The group denies supporting Hezbollah or Hamas, both of which are proscribed organizations in the UK. Kneecap maintains that the accusations underline a form of political policing aimed at silencing their message and has rallied substantial public support ahead of O hAnnaidh's court appearances. On June 18, 2025, O hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where he was released on unconditional bail. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, waving Palestinian and Irish flags, with many chanting slogans in defense of the rapper and the band. They accused the authorities of running a ‘witch hunt’ against artists who express political views through their art. The case is a significant legal and cultural flashpoint surrounding freedom of expression in artistic communities in the UK and highlights broader tensions related to political discourse in relation to Israeli-Palestinian conflict dynamics. O hAnnaidh is scheduled to reappear in court on August 20, where further arguments related to the case will be addressed. Kneecap's recent rise to fame, coupled with their provocative statements and political art, has positioned them as a prominent voice within discussions about identity, nationalism, and the Palestinian issue, further enraging supporters of the status quo.