A member of the Irish rap trio Kneecap has been charged with a terror offence following an incident at a live performance in London last year, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
Liam O’Hanna, 27, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a Hezbollah-supporting flag during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north-west London, on 21 November 2023.
According to the Met, officers from the Counter Terrorism Command were alerted to a video circulating online in April 2024. The footage purportedly shows the flag being raised on stage during Kneecap’s performance, sparking concerns about a potential breach of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Following a review of the material, the matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), who authorised the charge.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said:
“Liam O’Hanna, 27 (10.04.97), of Belfast, has been charged via postal requisition with one count of displaying an article in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezbollah. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 June.”
The charge relates specifically to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits the display of flags, emblems, or other articles associated with a proscribed group. Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based political and militant group, was fully proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in 2019, meaning it is a criminal offence to support or promote the organisation in any form.
O’Hanna, known for his provocative lyrics and politically charged performances as part of Kneecap, is one of three members of the group who rap in both Irish and English. The trio have garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following in Ireland and beyond, but have also courted controversy for their openly republican views and commentary on issues relating to the legacy of the Troubles.
There has been no official response from Kneecap or O’Hanna’s legal representatives so far. However, the charge is likely to draw both scrutiny and support, particularly among the group’s fanbase and in wider political circles in Northern Ireland.
A spokesperson for the CPS said:
“The CPS has authorised a charge against Liam O’Hanna for allegedly displaying an article in support of a proscribed organisation. This decision was made in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.”
The Met Police further noted that no other individuals are currently under investigation in connection with the incident, though they continue to assess all material linked to the video footage.
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Kneecap, who rose to prominence in recent years for their unapologetically political stance and rebellious aesthetic, recently announced a tour and are due to perform at several festivals this summer. It is currently unclear whether O’Hanna’s court date will affect the group’s schedule or if the case will have wider implications for their public appearances.
The charge comes at a time of heightened sensitivity around political expression and terrorism laws in the UK, particularly in relation to the display of symbols and paraphernalia associated with proscribed groups.
Under the Terrorism Act, a conviction could lead to up to six months in prison and/or a fine, though sentencing is at the discretion of the court. O’Hanna is expected to enter a plea when he appears before Westminster magistrates next month.
The case has reignited debate over freedom of expression in music and the arts, particularly in the context of political commentary and identity in Northern Ireland.
