A member of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap has reportedly been charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a live event in London.
According to a statement issued by the UK’s Metropolitan Police, the charge follows an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah,” the statement read.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, has been charged via postal requisition under section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the UK Terrorism Act 2000. He is a member of Kneecap, the West Belfast rap group known for performing in Irish and for their provocative political messaging.
Officers became aware of the incident after a video from the event circulated online earlier this year.
“An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge,” police said.
Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 18th.
The incident follows recent controversy surrounding the group. As reported by BBC News earlier this month, counter-terrorism police are investigating videos from Kneecap performances in which members allegedly appeared to call for the death of British MPs and chanted support for proscribed organisations.
In one video from a November 2023 concert, a member of the group can be heard saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”
The footage also included chants of “up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Both groups are banned under UK terrorism legislation, meaning it is a criminal offence to express support for them.
Kneecap have strongly denied endorsing violence or supporting terrorist organisations, and claim the video in question was taken out of context.
A number of the group’s gigs have since been cancelled, including a planned show in Plymouth, which was called off two days after being announced. Organisers cited safety reasons after taking “advice from relevant authorities and agencies.”