Kneecap, which has garnered both acclaim and criticism for its blend of Irish republicanism, cultural pride, and sharp political critique, has been an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause
Crowds of supporters packed the pavements outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday as rapper Mo Chara, a member of the Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap, appeared in court on a terror-related charge. The band, known for its provocative political messaging and outspoken support for Palestine, has accused the authorities of trying to silence them ahead of their scheduled performance at the Glastonbury Festival this weekend.
Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was released on unconditional bail following the preliminary hearing. He is set to return to court on 20 August to face a charge connected to his alleged display of a Hezbollah flag during a concert in north London on 21 November last year.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the charge stems from a video in which Ó hAnnaidh was seen waving the flag of Hezbollah — a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK — while reportedly chanting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove stated in court that the case was not about Ó hAnnaidh’s political views or support for the Palestinian people but about the explicit endorsement of a banned militant group.
“He’s well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else,” Bisgrove told the court. “The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation.”
Kneecap, which has garnered both acclaim and criticism for its blend of Irish republicanism, cultural pride, and sharp political critique, has been an outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause throughout the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The band maintains that the charge against Mo Chara is politically motivated, especially given its timing just days before their appearance at Glastonbury, one of the world’s most high-profile music festivals.
The controversy has reignited debate around free expression, political dissent, and cultural identity. As the trio — Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí — arrived at court, they were greeted by a raucous crowd of supporters holding placards reading “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap”. The rappers gave thumbs-up gestures to the cheering crowds, signalling defiance in the face of the legal proceedings.
In a statement released on social media shortly after the court hearing, Kneecap said: “British courts have long charged people from the North of Ireland with ‘terrorism’ for crimes never committed. We will fight them. We will win.”
The group has publicly distanced itself from both Hezbollah and Hamas, repeatedly stating that it does not support or condone violence. Prior to the court appearance, Kneecap launched a provocative billboard campaign across London featuring the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara” — a deliberate reference to the racist signs once posted by landlords in mid-20th century Britain reading “No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish.”
The band has long faced scrutiny from political figures and the press. Last year, under the previous Conservative government, an attempt was made to block an arts grant awarded to Kneecap on the grounds of its so-called “anti-British” messaging. That decision was overturned following the Labour Party’s victory in the general election and the subsequent formation of a new government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Kneecap is set to perform on Saturday at Glastonbury Festival, alongside a diverse line-up that includes Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, and Stormzy. The annual five-day event, held at Worthy Farm in Somerset, attracts nearly 200,000 attendees from around the world and is widely considered a landmark in the global cultural calendar.
For many fans, Kneecap’s upcoming performance has taken on added political significance. Supporters argue that the attempt to prosecute Mo Chara represents a broader crackdown on dissenting voices, particularly those highlighting injustices in Gaza or challenging mainstream narratives on the conflict.
While legal proceedings will continue later this summer, the mood among Kneecap’s fans remains one of solidarity and resistance. Whether their Glastonbury appearance will be shaped by the legal storm surrounding Mo Chara remains to be seen — but for now, the group’s defiant stance appears to have only cemented its status as one of the most politically charged acts in British and Irish music today.
