KNEECAP mural appears in West Belfast ahead of Mo Chara hearing

A new mural picturing KNEECAP has been unveiled in West Belfast ahead of member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's court appearance at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today (Wednesday).

The mural features various photos of the trio placed over the flag of Palestine. The central portrait is from KNEECAP's first Hot Press cover shoot, taken by Hot Press photographer Miguel Ruiz.

"West Belfast knows political policing," wrote KNEECAP in the caption of an Instagram post sharing the mural.

"West Belfast knows colonialism. West Belfast knows solidarity."

 

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Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, was charged with terrorism for allegedly holding a Hezbollah flag at a November 2024 concert.

The band said the flag was thrown on stage and denied supporting Hezbollah. They argued that the charges are politically motivated for their criticism of Israel's occupation of Gaza and of British presence in Ireland.

After a hearing in June, Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail and is due in court for legal arguments later today.

Love Music Hate Racism has organised "Defend KNEECAP, Drop the Charges" demonstration outside Westminster Magistrates' Court during the hearing. Artists performing at the demonstration include Biig Piig, Jelani Blackman, Nadine Shah, Gurriers, Maverick Sabre, Ben Jamal, Gerry Carroll MLA, Ghassan Abu-Sitta, Samira Ali and more.

Dublin's Connolly Books also announced a KNEECAP Solidarity Seisiún event for today, featuring Irish artists "standing in solidarity with Liam Óg, Kneecap and the people of Palestine." The lineup includes Ispíní na hÉireann, Roisin El Cherif, Sally Cinnamon, Liam Winnett, Molly Vulpyne, Mikey Cullen and Ru O'Shea.