‘This can be a Carnival of Distraction’

Kneecap has responded to a member of the group being charged with a terrorism offense by London’s Metropolitan Police.

Mo Chara of the Irish-language hip-hop group was investigated and subsequently charged for allegedly displaying help for militant teams Hamas and Hezbollah in historic movies. Each are proscribed as terror teams in line with U.Okay. regulation, and thought of an offense below the Terrorism Act 2000. Mo Chara, born Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is because of seem at Westminster Magistrates’ Court docket on June 18.

“We deny this ‘offence’ and can vehemently defend ourselves,” Kneecap wrote in a statement posted on their Instagram. “That is political policing,” it continued. “This can be a carnival of distraction.” They added: “14,000 infants are about to die of hunger in Gaza, with meals despatched by the world sitting on the opposite aspect of a wall, and as soon as once more the British institution is concentrated on us.”

“British institution is concentrated on us”, Kneecap added. “They revenue from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror regulation’ towards us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A cost not severe sufficient to even warrant their ‘crown courtroom’, as an alternative a courtroom that doesn’t have a jury.” Learn the complete assertion beneath.

The incident allegedly befell at a present at London’s O2 Discussion board in November 2024, although the video resurfaced in April following their Coachella sets, through which they displayed a message stating “F–ok Israel, Free Palestine.” Quite a few politicians additionally criticised the group for allegedly calling for the loss of life of Tory MPs in a efficiency. 

In a follow-up assertion, Kneecap denied help for both Hamas or Hezbollah. “Allow us to be unequivocal: we don’t, and have by no means, supported Hamas or Hezbollah,” the band wrote. “We condemn all assaults on civilians, at all times. It’s by no means okay. We all know this greater than anybody, given our nation’s historical past.” Additionally they apologised to the households of MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, each of whom have been murdered by members of the general public in 2016 and 2021, respectively. 

Following the band’s units at Coachella in mid-April the band’s actions has drawn condemnation and help from all through the music business. Sharon Osbourne referred to as for the group’s work visas to be rescinded, the band split with their U.S. booking agent, and a variety of exhibits have been cancelled in Germany and within the U.Okay.

Quite a few high-profile artists together with Large Assault, Fontaines D.C. and extra signed an open letter denouncing the restriction of free speech for artists. On Friday (Could 23), Kneecap are resulting from play their first present for the reason that furore at London’s Broad Awake Competition in Brockwell Park.