Latest news with #GreenManFestival
Pembrokeshire Herald
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Kneecap terror charge sparks political row in Wales
Green Man urged to drop Irish group amid Gaza comments and terror charge controversy A MEMBER of Northern Irish rap group Kneecap has been charged with a terrorism offence, prompting a political backlash and renewed calls for the group to be removed from the line-up of Wales' Green Man Festival. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig last November. The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, charged under anti-terror legislation. The Metropolitan Police said the flag was allegedly displayed 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion' of support for a proscribed organisation. The Belfast-based trio, who rap in Irish and are known for their anti-establishment lyrics, strongly deny the charge and say the case amounts to 'political policing' aimed at silencing their criticism of the Israeli government's war in Gaza. In a statement released on Thursday (May 22), Kneecap said: '14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story — genocide is.' The group added that they would 'vehemently contest' the charge, which they claim is designed to restrict their ability to travel and perform. They said: 'This is an attempt to silence artists who dare speak out.' The charge comes after Kneecap used a recent performance at California's Coachella festival to denounce Israel's military action in Gaza. The group has been the subject of controversy in the UK press, with videos circulating from earlier performances that appear to show provocative political statements and banners referencing banned organisations. While the group has distanced itself from any formal support for Hamas or Hezbollah, it continues to face criticism from campaigners and politicians. In Wales, Shadow Minister for Culture and North Wales, Gareth Davies MS, has called for the Green Man Festival to remove Kneecap from its 2025 line-up. He previously wrote to the festival's organisers on April 28, citing concerns over 'violent and extremist rhetoric' and warning that platforming the group risks damaging the festival's reputation. Following the announcement of the terror charge, Mr Davies renewed his demand, stating: 'It's deeply concerning that Green Man have remained silent even after terror charges have been brought against a member of this group. 'There is a clear pattern of violent and extremist rhetoric associated with Kneecap that has no place at a respected cultural event in Wales. The festival acted quickly in 2019 to remove Meic Stevens over anti-Muslim comments. The same consistency should be applied here.' Organisers of the Green Man Festival have yet to respond publicly. Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland, Tánaiste Simon Harris declined to comment on the specific case but condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza, stating that recent attacks amounted to a 'consistent pattern of war crimes' and that 'we're very much now in the space of genocidal activity'. The Campaign Against Antisemitism, which reported Kneecap to the police, welcomed the prosecution and called for 'the law to be enforced'. The case is likely to further inflame tensions over freedom of expression, political activism, and public performances in Wales and beyond, particularly as summer festivals prepare to welcome artists with diverse — and often controversial — viewpoints.
North Wales Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Welsh Tory calls for rap trio Kneecap to be dropped from festival line-up
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, on November 21 last year. Hezbollah is banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, has demanded the band be axed from the Green Man line-up, saying keeping them 'risks endorsing extremism.' Kneecap is due to play the arts and music festival, held near Crickhowell, Powys, on August 14. The rap trio has branded the charge as 'political policing' and a 'carnival of distraction'. The organisers of the Green Man have been approached for comment. It is the second time the Conservatives have called for Kneecap to be pulled from the festival. Gareth Davies MS, shadow member for culture, wrote to Green Man last month after a video from November 2023 emerged, appearing to show a person from the band saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Mr Millar said: 'It's completely unacceptable that the Green Man Festival has yet to respond to my colleague's request for Kneecap to be removed from the line-up, their silence speaks volumes. 'This is a group that has openly called for the killing of MPs, and now one of its members faces serious terror-related charges linked to a proscribed organisation. 'The festival previously acted swiftly to drop Meic Stevens over anti-Muslim remarks, yet they seem prepared to turn a blind eye in this far more serious case. 'Green Man must be consistent in its values and withdraw Kneecap from the programme immediately. Anything less undermines the festival's credibility and risks endorsing extremism.' Mr Stevens was removed from the 2019 line-up after making a comment about the number of Muslims there were on a bus. He denied that his language was racist. O hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police have said. In a statement on X, Kneecao said: 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is 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, 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. '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.' Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap are being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs. The Belfast rap trio have had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged but are still listed to headline Friday's Wide Awake Festival in Brixton's Brockwell Park. The group apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'.
South Wales Guardian
22-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Welsh Tory calls for rap trio Kneecap to be dropped from festival line-up
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, on November 21 last year. Hezbollah is banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, has demanded the band be axed from the Green Man line-up, saying keeping them 'risks endorsing extremism.' Kneecap is due to play the arts and music festival, held near Crickhowell, Powys, on August 14. The rap trio has branded the charge as 'political policing' and a 'carnival of distraction'. The organisers of the Green Man have been approached for comment. It is the second time the Conservatives have called for Kneecap to be pulled from the festival. Gareth Davies MS, shadow member for culture, wrote to Green Man last month after a video from November 2023 emerged, appearing to show a person from the band saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Mr Millar said: 'It's completely unacceptable that the Green Man Festival has yet to respond to my colleague's request for Kneecap to be removed from the line-up, their silence speaks volumes. 'This is a group that has openly called for the killing of MPs, and now one of its members faces serious terror-related charges linked to a proscribed organisation. 'The festival previously acted swiftly to drop Meic Stevens over anti-Muslim remarks, yet they seem prepared to turn a blind eye in this far more serious case. 'Green Man must be consistent in its values and withdraw Kneecap from the programme immediately. Anything less undermines the festival's credibility and risks endorsing extremism.' Mr Stevens was removed from the 2019 line-up after making a comment about the number of Muslims there were on a bus. He denied that his language was racist. O hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police have said. In a statement on X, Kneecao said: 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is 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, 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. '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.' Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap are being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs. The Belfast rap trio have had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged but are still listed to headline Friday's Wide Awake Festival in Brixton's Brockwell Park. The group apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'.
Powys County Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Welsh Tory calls for rap trio Kneecap to be dropped from festival line-up
A senior Welsh Tory has called for Kneecap to be pulled from the Green Man Festival after a band member was charged with a terror offence. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, on November 21 last year. Hezbollah is banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, has demanded the band be axed from the Green Man line-up, saying keeping them 'risks endorsing extremism.' Kneecap is due to play the arts and music festival, held near Crickhowell, Powys, on August 14. The rap trio has branded the charge as 'political policing' and a 'carnival of distraction'. The organisers of the Green Man have been approached for comment. It is the second time the Conservatives have called for Kneecap to be pulled from the festival. Gareth Davies MS, shadow member for culture, wrote to Green Man last month after a video from November 2023 emerged, appearing to show a person from the band saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Mr Millar said: 'It's completely unacceptable that the Green Man Festival has yet to respond to my colleague's request for Kneecap to be removed from the line-up, their silence speaks volumes. 'This is a group that has openly called for the killing of MPs, and now one of its members faces serious terror-related charges linked to a proscribed organisation. 'The festival previously acted swiftly to drop Meic Stevens over anti-Muslim remarks, yet they seem prepared to turn a blind eye in this far more serious case. 'Green Man must be consistent in its values and withdraw Kneecap from the programme immediately. Anything less undermines the festival's credibility and risks endorsing extremism.' Mr Stevens was removed from the 2019 line-up after making a comment about the number of Muslims there were on a bus. He denied that his language was racist. O hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police have said. In a statement on X, Kneecao said: 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is 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, 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. '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.' Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap are being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs. The Belfast rap trio have had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged but are still listed to headline Friday's Wide Awake Festival in Brixton's Brockwell Park. The group apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Welsh Tory calls for rap trio Kneecap to be dropped from festival line-up
A senior Welsh Tory has called for Kneecap to be pulled from the Green Man Festival after a band member was charged with a terror offence. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, has been charged after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, on November 21 last year. Hezbollah is banned in the UK and it is a crime to express support for them. Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, has demanded the band be axed from the Green Man line-up, saying keeping them 'risks endorsing extremism.' Kneecap is due to play the arts and music festival, held near Crickhowell, Powys, on August 14. The rap trio has branded the charge as 'political policing' and a 'carnival of distraction'. The organisers of the Green Man have been approached for comment. It is the second time the Conservatives have called for Kneecap to be pulled from the festival. Gareth Davies MS, shadow member for culture, wrote to Green Man last month after a video from November 2023 emerged, appearing to show a person from the band saying: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Mr Millar said: 'It's completely unacceptable that the Green Man Festival has yet to respond to my colleague's request for Kneecap to be removed from the line-up, their silence speaks volumes. 'This is a group that has openly called for the killing of MPs, and now one of its members faces serious terror-related charges linked to a proscribed organisation. 'The festival previously acted swiftly to drop Meic Stevens over anti-Muslim remarks, yet they seem prepared to turn a blind eye in this far more serious case. 'Green Man must be consistent in its values and withdraw Kneecap from the programme immediately. Anything less undermines the festival's credibility and risks endorsing extremism.' Mr Stevens was removed from the 2019 line-up after making a comment about the number of Muslims there were on a bus. He denied that his language was racist. O hAnnaidh, 27, of Belfast, was charged by postal requisition and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, the Metropolitan Police have said. In a statement on X, Kneecao said: 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is 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, 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. '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.' Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police said Kneecap are being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for the deaths of MPs. The Belfast rap trio have had gigs cancelled after the footage emerged but are still listed to headline Friday's Wide Awake Festival in Brixton's Brockwell Park. The group apologised last month to the families of murdered MPs but said footage of the incident had been 'exploited and weaponised'.
