Authorities in London have pressed charges against Liam Og O Hannaidh, also known as Mo Chara, a member of the Northern Irish rap group Kneecap. The charges stem from an incident where he reportedly displayed a flag supporting the Hezbollah militant group, classified as a terrorist organization by the British government, during a concert at the O2 Forum in November.
**Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh Charged With Terrorism Allegations for Displaying Hezbollah Flag**
**Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh Charged With Terrorism Allegations for Displaying Hezbollah Flag**
A member of Kneecap faces serious legal consequences for allegedly showcasing a Hezbollah flag at a concert, sparking controversy around the group's political messaging.
On May 21, 2025, the Metropolitan Police announced that O Hannaidh was charged under anti-terrorism laws following an investigation prompted by an online video capturing the flag display. The police confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service has approved the charges, which could result in up to six months in prison and a fine if O Hannaidh is convicted.
Kneecap has publicly denied the charges, asserting that they represent “political policing” and suggested that the focus should instead be on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a statement posted on Instagram, the group emphasized, “We are not the story. Genocide is.”
A video from the concert showed O Hannaidh performing with a yellow flag draped around him while chanting support for both Hamas and Hezbollah, actions that have prompted the investigation. The police noted that they are looking into another video from a separate event where Kneecap also performed.
The group, formed in Belfast in 2017, is known for its distinct blend of Irish lyrics and hip-hop elements, along with its outspoken support for Irish nationalism. Previously, in 2023, they featured in a dramatized film about their journey, which won a British Academy Film Award.
O Hannaidh is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18 as the legal proceedings unfold, while Kneecap's performance schedule remains unaffected, with plans to headline the Wide Awake festival.
Kneecap has publicly denied the charges, asserting that they represent “political policing” and suggested that the focus should instead be on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In a statement posted on Instagram, the group emphasized, “We are not the story. Genocide is.”
A video from the concert showed O Hannaidh performing with a yellow flag draped around him while chanting support for both Hamas and Hezbollah, actions that have prompted the investigation. The police noted that they are looking into another video from a separate event where Kneecap also performed.
The group, formed in Belfast in 2017, is known for its distinct blend of Irish lyrics and hip-hop elements, along with its outspoken support for Irish nationalism. Previously, in 2023, they featured in a dramatized film about their journey, which won a British Academy Film Award.
O Hannaidh is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18 as the legal proceedings unfold, while Kneecap's performance schedule remains unaffected, with plans to headline the Wide Awake festival.
