Nadine Shah, Gurriers, Maverick Sabre and more to perform in defense of KNEECAP at Westminster Magistrates Court

Love Music Hate Racism have announced a protest in defence of KNEECAP’s Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, for August 20 at the Westminster Magistrates Court, the day of his full hearing.

It will welcome a number of speakers and artists, including Nadine Shah, Gurriers, Maverick Sabre, Ben Jamal, Gerry Carroll MLA, Ghassan Abu-Sitta and Samira Ali, with more to be announced.

Originally set for June 18, the court hearing was set to charge Ó hAnnaidh with a terror offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London show in November 2024.

 

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KNEECAP say the flag was thrown on stage and deny supporting Hezbollah or Hamas. They claim the prosecution is politically motivated and aimed at silencing their criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

The Belfast rapper was released on unconditional bail until a full hearing, with hundreds of fans gathered outside the court, showing support for the Irish hip hop group. His legal team includes prominent human rights lawyers Gareth Peirce and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC.

Most recently UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed that KNEECAP's upcoming appearance at the Glastonbury Festival is "not appropriate".

A number of artists have already expressed their support for the Belfast trio, including Johnny Marr, Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten, Pulp, Brian Eno, Massive Attack, CMAT and more.