Archive · 14 Jan 2026
UK Prosecutors Seek to Reinstate Terrorism Charge Against Kneecap Rapper
A rapper from the group Kneecap is in trouble for showing a flag of a group called Hezbollah during a concert.
The court said the charge was wrong at first, but now the people who do the charging want to try again.
The rapper says he didn't mean to support Hezbollah and that the flag was thrown on stage.
The group Kneecap talks about politics and supports Palestine.
They say this charge is a way to distract from bigger issues.
UK prosecutors are trying to reinstate a terrorism charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh of the rap group Kneecap.
The charge was initially dismissed in September 2024 for procedural errors and exceeding the statutory time limit.
Ó hAnnaidh is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a November 2024 concert, which aroused suspicion of support for the banned group.
Kneecap denies supporting Hezbollah or Hamas, stating the flag was thrown on stage during their performance.
The group has been vocal about the war in Gaza and has faced bans and cancellations in Hungary, Canada, and the US due to Ó hAnnaidh's court appearances.
- Who
- Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara) of the rap group Kneecap
- What
- Attempt to reinstate a terrorism charge for displaying a Hezbollah flag
- When
- Initial charge in May 2024, reinstatement attempt in January 2025
- Where
- London, UK
- Why
- Prosecutors argue permission was only required by the time of first court appearance
- Defendant
- Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (stage name Mo Chara)
- Charge
- Displaying a flag of the banned militant group Hezbollah
- Incident Date
- November 2024
- Initial Court Ruling
- Charge thrown out in September 2024
- Reason for Dismissal
- Lack of permission from Director of Public Prosecutions and Attorney General, and statutory time limit
- Prosecution Argument
- Permission required only by the time of first court appearance
- Group's Stance
- Kneecap denies supporting Hamas or Hezbollah
- Recent Performances
- Accusations of Israeli war crimes at Glastonbury and Coachella