Kneecap have called on their fans for their support ahead of their court appearance in London this week.
This comes as band member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh aka Mo Chara, faces charges over an alleged incident where he reportedly showed of a Hezbollah flag during a Kneecap show last November. Hezbollah are listed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government.
Mo Chara who has already appeared in court twice over this charge, is to appear again for a hearing on Friday, (September 26).
Kneecap have consistently denied these allegations, insisting that they do not condone violence. They have also claimed that the footage from their UK shows was taken out of context.
Ahead of this upcoming court appearance, Kneecap have shared a joint statement along with Irish In London For Palestine, Thanet For Palestine and Speit on social media, asking for fans to show their support.
Fans have been encouraged to gather around Westminster Magistrates Court at 9am on the morning of the case, and to bring their “flags, keffiyeh and voices”.
“Get yizzer selves down to support Liam Óg & Kneecap against British State repression,” the post read. “If you’re out for the day please consider heading down to the Old Bailey after to support our comrades from the Filton24".
“We will not stay silent. An injury to one is an injury to all. Free Palestine, from the river to the sea,” it added, also saying there would be a “line-up of speakers and musicians” there too.
See that post in full here.
In a separate statement on social media, Kneecap shared the same poster, calling out 10 Downing Street.
“The witch-hunt continues,” they said. “Isaac Herzog, a man the UN says is complicit in genocide, was welcomed to Downing Street last week for tea. Mo Chara meanwhile, who has spoken against genocide across the world, they allege is a terrorist".
The Belfast group added: “We will not speaking out. We will not be silent. F*** Keir Starmer".
Earlier this month, Kneecap released their new single 'Sayonara', in collaboration with Orbital's Paul Hartnoll, and features Derry Girls' Jamie Lee O'Donnell. Check that out here.
