UK Government moves to reinstate terrorism charge against Kneecap’s Mo Chara

Kneecap issued a statement on social media

Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was accused of displaying a flag supporting the proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah at a gig in November 2024. However, a technical error in the charge meant the chief magistrate ruled the case could not proceed.

Today (January 1), the Irish trio issued a statement claiming that the UK Government had told them they would be appealing the decision.

Kneecap said: "The Brits are at it again...

"The British government has issued us notice that they will appeal the decision of their own magistrates' court to throw out the case against Mo Chara.

"It is the view of our legal team that there is not an iota of logic for this, it is without any sound legal basis.

"It is another flailing arm to distract from, and to try and silence those who stand on the right side of history as they are complicit.

“As Israel today moves to ban charitable organisations providing lifesaving aid and primitive shelter to millions, the British state once again turns to vilify those who oppose genocide.”

The group said the case would be heard at London’s High Court on January 14, adding: “We will not be silent. Free Palestine."

Earlier this week, Israel revealed that it had suspended more than 24 humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders and Care, from activities in the Gaza Strip.

According to Netanyahu’s government, the organisations had failed to comply with newly introduced registration rules, which were reportedly designed to prevent infiltration by Hamas and other militant groups.

Israel has previously claimed that Hamas had infiltrated UNRWA, the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, and blocked the organisation from operating in Gaza and Israel.

The International Court of Justice, however, deemed the claims baseless and ordered Israel to permit UNRWA’s work in Palestine. To date, Netanyahu’s government has not complied.