Irish rap trio Kneecap has announced the legal team that will defend band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh against a terror charge.
Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, will be represented by a high-profile team including Gareth Peirce, the solicitor who represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his extradition battle with the US, and Rosalind Comyn, who has represented Extinction Rebellion protesters in court.
The 27-year-old rapper faces the charge related to the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a Kneecap performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, last November. The charge was delivered by postal requisition.
His legal team also includes Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law, Brenda Campbell KC, Jude Bunting KC, and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC.
Mr. Mackin previously represented Sarah Ewart in her successful legal challenge that helped decriminalize abortion in Northern Ireland. Ms. Campbell was the defence barrister in the case against Seamus Daly, which collapsed, who was accused of the 1998 Omagh bombing.
Mr. Bunting acted for Liberty in the Stansted 15’s successful appeal after they stopped a deportation flight at Stansted Airport, a case Ms. Ní Ghrálaigh also worked on.
Kneecap stated on Instagram: “The British establishment is conducting a campaign against Kneecap which is to be fought in Westminster Magistrates Court… We are ready for this fight. We are proud to have such a strong legal team with us.”
In May, the Metropolitan Police confirmed Kneecap was under investigation by counter-terrorism police following videos that allegedly showed the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting support for Hamas and Hezbollah.
The band apologized to the families of murdered MPs but claimed footage of the incident had been “exploited and weaponised.”
They also stated they have “never supported” Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK.
Their eponymous film, released in 2024 and starring Michael Fassbender, is a fictionalized account of the band’s formation and their mission to preserve the Irish language through music.
Formed in 2017, Kneecap, comprised of Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, are known for provocative lyrics, merchandise, and their advocacy for the Irish language.
Their popular tracks include “Get Your Brits Out,” “Better Way To Live” (featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC), and “3Cag.”
Ó hAnnaidh is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
His lawyers have been contacted for comment.
