Kneecap's Mo Chara Faces Terrorism Charge but Marches on to Glastonbury Stage
So here's what’s happening—Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara from the provocative Irish rap trio Kneecap , is right in the eye of a political and cultural storm. Just a few weeks ago, he was officially charged under UK terrorism laws after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance in London back in November 2024. That’s a heavy accusation, considering Hezbollah is a proscribed organisation in the UK, making any public support of the group illegal.
Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this week, and while the atmosphere inside was tense, it was the crowds outside that made just as much noise—chanting “Free Palestine” and waving Palestinian and Kneecap flags. The courtroom was so packed that extra seats had to be brought in for media coverage. In the end, the judge granted Mo Chara unconditional bail, meaning—yes—Kneecap will go ahead and perform at Glastonbury later this month.
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Now let’s take a step back. This isn’t just about a flag. It’s a boiling pot of politics, protest, and free expression. Mo Chara and Kneecap have long been outspoken critics of British rule in Northern Ireland and vocal supporters of Palestinian rights. They perform in both English and Gaeilge, the Irish language, and their lyrics often challenge authority with raw, unapologetic energy. To their fans, they’re fearless cultural rebels; to critics, provocateurs stepping too far.
The prosecution claims this isn't about Mo Chara's political beliefs, saying he has every right to support Palestine and criticize Israel. What they're focused on, they say, is that he allegedly wore the Hezbollah flag and shouted “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah”—phrases tied to groups considered terrorist organisations under UK law.
Kneecap isn’t backing down. On social media and in person, they’ve labeled the charges as “political policing” and an effort to silence dissent. They’ve faced show cancellations in Germany and Scotland, and even government pressure urging Glastonbury organizers to drop them. But the support for them is growing. Prominent artists like Paul Weller, Massive Attack, and Brian Eno have publicly condemned what they describe as censorship and a “coordinated de-platforming” campaign.
There’s also a legal angle to watch. Mo Chara’s defense is arguing that the charge was filed outside the six-month legal time limit. If that holds up, the case could be thrown out before it even begins in earnest when it returns to court on August 20.
In the end, this moment is bigger than just one court case. It’s about who gets to speak, what artists are allowed to say, and how governments respond when art challenges power. Whether you see Mo Chara as a defiant symbol of resistance or someone who crossed a legal line, one thing is certain—he and Kneecap are not staying quiet. They’re taking the stage at Glastonbury, not just with mics in hand, but with a spotlight now firmly fixed on what happens next.
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