Rapper Liam O'Hanna faces court over alleged Hezbollah support
Liam O'Hanna, known as Mo Chara from the band Kneecap, is set to appear in court in London after being accused of supporting Hezbollah. "The Guardian" reports that this stems from an incident at one of the rapper's concerts, though O'Hanna maintains a different perspective.
O'Hanna, a member of Kneecap, faces allegations of supporting an organisation regarded as terrorist in the United Kingdom. During a concert in November last year, he allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage and shouted "Hamas, Hezbollah."
According to accusers, these actions indicate the rapper's support for these groups. Counter-terrorism police have reviewed a recording which led to the Crown Prosecution Service filing charges.
A statement quoted by "The Guardian" mentions that the charges rely on the "Terrorism Act 2000", indicating a serious situation for the musician. The first hearing will take place on 18 June at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
At the hearing, Liam O'Hanna from Kneecap will be questioned. He has already responded to the accusation, stating online that he has never supported either Hezbollah or Hamas. Along with his bandmates, he stressed that they advocate for love and hope, not aggression.
Liam O'Hanna criticises Israel's actions, claims efforts to silence him
O'Hanna has courted controversy before. Media outlets in Ireland and the United Kingdom recall his criticism of Israel's actions in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, which has divided his fanbase.
During a performance at the Coachella festival, the leader of Kneecap displayed pro-Palestinian slogans on the screens on stage. In a statement on the band's profile on platform X, published in April, he described criticism of his actions as "political persecution."
The statement suggests that a "coordinated campaign" is underway to "silence criticism of Israel's actions". O'Hanna feels he's being targeted in an attempt to undermine both him and his artistic work. Some fans hope the court will rule in his favour, supporting his right to freely express his views.
