Latest news with #TerrorismAct2000
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kneecap Removed From Scottish Festival Following Safety Concerns From Police
Northern Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap will no longer be appearing at Scotland's TRNSMT festival this July following safety concerns from law enforcement. The Belfast outfit had been scheduled to appear at the Glasgow festival this July, appearing on a lineup that also features 50 Cent, Gracie Abrams, Fontaines D.C., and more. However, local law enforcement had expressed concerns about the band's appearance only last week, claiming that 'there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.' More from Billboard Shaun Cassidy Gets Ready for the Longest Tour of His 45-Year Career: 'I Felt the Need to Connect with People' 'Luther' Ties 'Not Like Us' for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart Bono Cheekily Weighs in On Springsteen Vs. Trump Squabble: 'There's Only One Boss in America' 'Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event,' a police spokesperson explained. Now, it appears as though those concerns have resulted in tangible actions, with Kneecap taking to social media on Wednesday (May 28) to reveal they would no longer be performing 'due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event.' 'To the thousands of people who bought tickets, flights and hotels to see us play, we are sorry…it is out of our hands.' they wrote. 'Glasgow has always been a huge city for us. We've played there many many times, with no issues – ever. Make of that what you will.' Kneecap have since announced an additional performance at Glasgow's O2 Academy for July 8 'to try to make up for' their removal. The trio has also been quick to set the record straight about the specifics of the lineup shift, clarifying online reporting by writing 'Kneecap didn't 'pull out' of TRNSMT – Kneecap were removed.' News of Kneecap's removal from TRNSMT comes after two German music festivals similarly revised their lineups, and last week's reporting of member Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, being charged with a terrorism offense by London's Metropolitan Police. Ó hAnnaidh was investigated and subsequently charged for allegedly showing support for militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah in historic videos. Both are proscribed as terror groups according to U.K. law, and considered an offense under the Terrorism Act 2000. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18, with the band issuing a statement to note they 'deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Remember how lucky we are' – Kneecap in ‘right side of history' plea for fans at huge gig after terror offence charge
KNEECAP urged fans to be 'on the right side of history' as they took to the stage days after a band member was charged with a terror offence. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged by the 2 Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap performing at Wide Awake Festival at Brockwell Park on May 23 in London Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 DJ Próvaí of Kneecap at the festival yesterday Credit: Getty Images - Getty The West Speaking on stage at London's Wide Awake, 27-year-old Mo Chara — due to appear in court next month — said the authorities were 'trying to silence us' before their upcoming Ó hAnnaidh told the 'But the world's not listening. The world needs to see solidarity of 20,000 people in a park in London chanting, 'Free, free READ MORE IN KNEECAP As the chant echoed out around Brixton's Brockwell Park, he continued: 'We are being made an example of. The 'They're trying to cancel gigs, they're trying to cancel my freedom of 'And the fact that I'm speaking to this amount of people, and I assume the majority of you will agree, shows that we're on the right side of history.' Mo Chara told the crowd: 'Let's remember how lucky we are to be in a field with our friends and not being bombed from the sky.' Most read in Music Some Kneecap UK Major TRNSMT act Kneecap in doubt after member charged with TERROR offences The band are listed to perform on the Saturday at Glastonbury, but some politicians have called for the trio to be barred. The rapper is due in He was later charged under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000.
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Remember how lucky we are' – Kneecap break silence with ‘right side of history' plea for fans at huge gig after arrest
KNEECAP urged fans to be 'on the right side of history' as they took to the stage days after a band member was charged with a terror offence. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged by the Advertisement 2 Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap performing at Wide Awake Festival at Brockwell Park on May 23 in London Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 DJ Próvaí of Kneecap at the festival yesterday Credit: Getty Images - Getty The West Speaking on stage at London's Wide Awake, 27-year-old Mo Chara — due to appear in court next month — said the authorities were 'trying to silence us' before their upcoming Ó hAnnaidh told the 'But the world's not listening. The world needs to see solidarity of 20,000 people in a park in London chanting, 'Free, free Advertisement READ MORE IN KNEECAP As the chant echoed out around Brixton's Brockwell Park, he continued: 'We are being made an example of. The 'They're trying to cancel gigs, they're trying to cancel my freedom of 'And the fact that I'm speaking to this amount of people, and I assume the majority of you will agree, shows that we're on the right side of history.' Mo Chara told the crowd: 'Let's remember how lucky we are to be in a field with our friends and not being bombed from the sky.' Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Breaking Some Kneecap UK Major TRNSMT act Kneecap in doubt after member charged with TERROR offences The band are listed to perform on the Saturday at Glastonbury, but some politicians have called for the trio to be barred. The rapper is due in Advertisement He was later charged under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000.
Daily Mirror
23-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Kneecap's 'secret' London show met with police presence after speedy sell-out
Met Police officers could be seen entering the 100 Club on Oxford Street in central London on May 22 where rap trio Kneecap had announced a surprise sold-out gig on Thursday night Police turned up at Kneecap 's surprise gig in London on Thursday just hours after rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence. Three officers were spotted entering the 100 Club, located on Oxford Street, where the rap trio had announced the performance for May 22 at approximately 7.35pm. A queue had started forming ahead of the concert as anticipation continued to build in the lead-up. Posting on X, the band had confirmed that tickets had sold out in a mere 90 seconds with a growing waiting list of around 2,000 people. Due to this huge crowd, the Metropolitan Police had confirmed plans were in place to ensure health and safety at the event. The Met Office told The Mirror: 'A police plan was in place around last night's event to ensure it passed off safely. This was primarily in terms of managing visitors to the venue for what was understood to be a spontaneous and sold out event.' It comes after Óg Ó hAnnaidh - who performs under the name Mo Chara - was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. A proscribed terror organisation where it is considered a crime for 'inviting support' for the group. The incident is believed to have taken place on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Police from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command launched an urgent probe after being made aware on April 22. Following a review of video footage from the event, Óg Ó hAnnaidh was later charged with an offence relating to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. Kneecap responded, indicating they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, arguing the footage in question was taken out of context. A number of gigs featuring the group have since been cancelled. In a statement, the Met Police 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 Hezballah, a proscribed organisation. "On November 21 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. 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."
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Kneecap: What's the terror charge 'Mo Chara' is facing, what's the defence and the sentence?
A banner support of Kneecap at the Felons Bar in Belfast today. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo KNEECAP'S LIAM ÓG Ó hAnnaidh was last night charged with an offence under the UK's Terrorism Act and is due in court on 18 June. The charge comes following a video that was uncovered and distributed of a gig the Belfast rap band did in the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London last November. After various news articles were written about the video last month, it was reviewed by UK police and following that an official investigation was launched . On foot of that investigation, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service has now authorised a charge against Ó hAnnaidh by way of postal requisition. This method means that an individual is informed by post of a charge they face and the date they need to attend court. It is essentially a court summons and is commonly used instead of arresting an individual, which costs money and police time. However, a failure to attend court at the assigned time would likely lead to an arrest warrant. Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18 June. In its statement last night, Met Police said that Ó hAnnaidh was charged with 'displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation'. The UK proscribes 81 organisations which it says are 'concerned in terrorism' under the Terrorism Act 2000, with 14 organisations in Northern Ireland proscribed under previous legislation. When an organisation is proscribed, various offences are attached to activities relating to that organisation, with Ó hAnnaidh specifically charged with section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. In UK legislation , that section reads: A person in a public place commits an offence if he— (b) wears, carries or displays 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. The legislation also outlines potential penalties upon conviction, which could be up to six months' imprisonment, a fine, or both. There will not be a jury determining the verdict but a district judge instead. Advertisement 'Strict liability' Section 13 of the Terrorism Act is a 'strict liability offence', which means that the motivation or intent of the accused does not have to be proven by the prosecution. A limited mental element is required in that the defendant must know that he or she is wearing or carrying or displaying the relevant article. Instead, what needs to be proven is that the accused displayed the article in a way that would lead to a 'reasonable suspicion' that they supported the organisation. A flag of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during a protest. (File) Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo In a similar case, this element of 'strict liability' was previously appealed to the UK Supreme Court by three men who had been convicted of carrying the flag of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a proscribed organisation. Among the arguments the three made was that the offence under Section 13 was incompatible with the right to freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In a judgement issued in January 2022, the panel of five UK justices determined that Section 13 was an interference in the ECHR but that it was not incompatible, instead ruling that there was 'sufficient justification for the restriction on freedom of expression'. Outlining the reasons for this, the judges said: 'The essential point about Section 13 is that it is a highly focused provision aimed at ensuring that proscribed organisations do not obtain a foothold in the UK through the agency of people in this country.' It is about a restriction, or deterrence, designed to avoid violence, not the prevention of a situation in which there is an immediate threat of violence or disorder. Previous cases London The specific charge facing Ó hAnnaidh was also brought in another well-publicised case last year, when three women were convicted following a high-profile pro-Palestinian march in London. In February 2024, Heba Alhayek, Pauline Ankunda and Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo were convicted after they were accused of displaying images of 'paragliders' during the march, which took place in the week after the 7 October 2023 attack in Israel by Hamas. The three were charged and convicted under the Terrorism Act with carrying or displaying an article to arouse reasonable suspicion that they supported Hamas. In this instance the judge said that, while he did not see any evidence that the women supported Hamas, 'it matters not' because it came down to what a 'reasonable person' would think of the images they displayed. Images from the 14 October 2023 protest in London. Crown Prosecution Service Crown Prosecution Service Lawyers for the women argued that they were actually displaying images of a parachute emoji rather than paragliders, and that flying-related images were a common symbol of peace in the region. Related Reads 'We will fight you in your court. We will win' - Kneecap slams 'political policing' after terror charge One member of Kneecap charged with terrorism offence by London police Judge Tan Ikram agreed the image had been 'wrongly described' as a paraglider by the police and prosecution but that he did not believe a reasonable person would interpret the image 'merely as a symbol of freedom.' Despite their conviction, the judge 'decided not to punish' the women and handed them a 12-month conditional discharge, meaning they will not face punishment unless they commit further offences. This sentence was criticised at the time by then home secretary Suella Braverman. Derry Custodial sentences have previously been handed down for convictions under the same act, however. In Derry in August 2013, two men were handed jail terms after the PSNI investigated a mural that was painted on the window of premises on Chamberlain Street in the city before the previous Christmas. The display featured a masked snowman appearing to press the button on a command wire with the accompanying words 'they haven't gone away ye know'. Jordan Devine and William McDonnell were charged under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for 'wearing clothing, or having article(s) as a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation'. The men were sentenced to three months and four months respectively. Mo Chara Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (left) with his Kneecap bandmates at the IFTAs earlier this year. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Ó hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, has not spoken individually since the charge was confirmed, but Kneecap as a band issued a statement this morning in which they said they would contest the charges. 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves,' the statement said, 'This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.' The band have come to international prominence for their outspokenness on Israel's ongoing bombing and siege of Gaza which has killed over 50,000 people and has brought the enclave to the brink of famine . '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,' the band said today. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... 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