‘We are not the story' – Kneecap breaks silence following rapper Mo Chara's charge over UK terror offence
KNEECAP have broken their silence after one member was charged yesterday over the displaying of a flag in apparent support of Hezbollah at a London gig.
The rap trio has now said they will "vehemently defend' themselves against the terrorism offence brought by
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Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh was charged yesterday
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The Belfast rap group have issued a statement
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They have also described the charge as "political" and a "distraction".
Liam O'Hanna, or Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, from
The incident unfolded on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum, in Kentish Town,
Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command launched an urgent probe after being made aware on April 22.
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An investigation was carried out after reviewing video footage from the event.
O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name
The rap group issued a statement this morning, claiming the charge is a "distraction" from what is happening in
The band said: '14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of the wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us.
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"We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves.'
They added it as 'political policing' and 'a carnival of distraction'.
"We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their 'crown court' [sic] instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective?
"To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out.'
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They continued: 'Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification.
"The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it.'
They reiterated that they "stand proudly with the people' of Palestine.
They concluded: "You stand complicit with the war criminals. We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in your court. We will win. Free Palestine.'
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The rapper is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18.
A Met Police spokesperson said: "A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an investigation by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.
"Liam O'Hanna, 27, of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of
"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 Hezballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
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"Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event.
"An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.
"O'Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18 June."
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