Irish Rapper Liam O’Hanna Faces UK Court Over Hezbollah Flag Charge

Liam O’Hanna, 27, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap who performs as Mo Chara, is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Wednesday. He was charged in May with a “terror” offence after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a concert in London last November.

Kneecap has been outspoken against Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians since October 2023 and left much of the enclave in ruins. Shortly after Israel launched its assault, Hezbollah began cross-border strikes, saying it acted in solidarity with Palestinians.

The UK banned Hezbollah in 2019, making it a criminal offence to show public support for the group. The London court is expected to hear arguments on whether the charge falls outside the six-month legal time limit, according to officials.

Meanwhile, UK police have imposed restrictions on where demonstrations in support of O’Hanna can take place, citing the need to “prevent serious disruption.”

In response, Kneecap called the move a “calculated political decision” and a “distraction from war crimes that the British state supports.” Still, the group urged supporters to remain compliant with protest rules “irrespective of how pitiful.”

Hundreds of fans turned out in June to cheer O’Hanna’s first appearance, waving flags and playing drums outside the court.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said the case was not about O’Hanna’s support for Palestinians or his criticism of Israel, which fall under free expression. Instead, it focuses on allegations that he displayed Hezbollah’s flag, a banned organisation in the UK, while shouting, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”

Kneecap argues the video evidence was taken out of context. Formed in 2017, Kneecap is known for challenging British policies in Northern Ireland and sparking political debate.

The trial also comes amid a broader UK crackdown on groups linked to Palestine solidarity. Since the Palestine Action movement was outlawed in July, more than 700 people have been arrested, mostly at demonstrations.

The ban followed a high-profile break-in at an air force base in southern England, where activists caused nearly £7 million ($9.5m) in damages to two aircraft. The group said the action was a response to Britain’s indirect military support for Israel in the Gaza war.