Kneecap star Liam O'Hanna charged with terror offences after flying Hezbollah flag at gig

A rapper from the Irish band Kneecap has been charged with a terrorism offence after allegedly flying a flag in support of the proscribed terror group Hezbollah. Liam O'Hanna (Og O Hannaidh in Irish) was charged by the Metropolitan Police over an alleged incident which took place at a London gig.

The Belfast singer reportedly committed the offence on November 21, 2024, at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London. Police say he displayed the flag "in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation". The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, officers added.

It comes after counter terror police assessed a video reported to be from one of the band's concerts. Videos of the controversial Irish Republican rappers were referred to a counter-terror unit to assess whether they broke UK terrorism laws.

They have claimed footage of the incident had been "exploited and weaponised", while they also said they have "never supported" Hamas or Hezbollah, which are both banned organisations in the UK.

The group signed a statement saying there is a "clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform" Kneecap while claiming that poiticians are "strategically concocting moral outrage over the stage utterings of a young punk band" while seemingly ignoring a "genocide" in Gaza.

Officers were also made aware of another video, which is believed to be from a music event in London in November 2023. Kneecap has also previously come under fire after a video emerged appearing to show them allegedly calling for the deaths of MPs.

The group - also made up of Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh - apologised to the families of murdered MPs. Counter terror cops are still probing this alleged incident.

Following the backlash from the alleged videos, several of the groups live performances have been cancelled, including a gig at the Eden Project in Cornwall which was due to take place on July 4.

However, their performance in Brixton's Brockwell Park was still set to go ahead as planned, Wide Awake Festival confirmed. They said in a statement earlier this month: "After positive discussions with key stakeholders, Wide Awake Festival can confirm that, as planned, Kneecap will be performing at this year's festival on Friday, May 23, at Brockwell Park.

"Wide Awake Festival has a proud history of supporting the alternative music scene and we look forward to staging another unforgettable event showcasing the very best emerging and established talent."

Formed in 2017, the band are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language. Their best known tracks includ Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, and 3Cag. Their self-titled film, which is roughly based on how they formed, secured them a BAFTA win.