The Irish rap band Kneecap on May 22nd denied supporting Hezbollah as one of its members was charged with a terror offence for purportedly carrying a Hezbollah flag at a concert, Al-Monitor via AFP reported.
The UK prohibits the Lebanese group Hezbollah and considers supporting them an offence. On X, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction.”
Asharq Al-Awsat reported on April 3rd, that the British anti-terrorism officers arrested two men in London on suspicion of Hezbollah-related activity. Police detained a 39-year-old in north London for suspected terrorist involvement and financing. They also arrested a 35-year-old man in west London for allegedly being a member of the banned group.
On May 21st, authorities charged 27-year-old Liam O’Hanna with expressing support for a banned group during a November 21st concert. His band is associated with Irish nationalist, pro-Palestine and anti-Israel sentiment.
On May 7th, Maghrebi Opinion Editor Alisa Butterwick reported that the Irish band was unlikely to incite actual violence. However, she stated their mix of pro-Palestinian support and militant tone could offer political opponents a strategic advantage.
Kneecap previously faced accusations of inciting violence against Conservative MPs, after stating “the only good Tory is a dead Tory.” In the context of Sir David Amess’ 2021 murder, the band’s remarks appeared especially ill-judged. The band apologised to Amess’ wife, however the comments overstepped acceptable bounds.
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed Counter Terrorism opened an investigation in April 2025 after footage from November 2024 event surfaced online.
In a statement, Kneecap accused the “establishment” of diverting focus from Gaza’s plight and alleged that Israel has committed genocide. They stated: “We are not the story. Genocide is. As they profit from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror law’ against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage.”
The allegation followed the already rising criticism of Kneecap’s shows after footage surfaced showing political commentary during live performances. One clip appeared to capture one of the performers declaring “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
As a result, organisers cancelled several scheduled performances, including three in Germany and one in the UK. The UK government has also urged Glastonbury organisers to “think carefully” about the band’s scheduled appearance in June.
Al-Monitor via AFP, Maghrebi, Asharq Al-Awsat
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