Kneecap Unveils London Billboards Before Terror Court Hearing: “We Will Fight Them and Win”

Ahead of Mo Chara’s terror court appearance, Kneecap takes a bold stand with powerful London billboards, declaring their fight against political charges.

Kneecap Takes Over London with Powerful Message

The Belfast-based rap trio, Kneecap, has launched a striking billboard campaign across London days before member Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is set to face terror charges at Westminster Crown Court on June 18.

The billboards carry a bold slogan: “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara,” a direct reference to a historical discriminatory phrase, “No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs.” This slogan was infamously used in mid-20th century Britain to bar certain groups from accessing housing and services, marking a dark era of racial and social prejudice.

The group’s billboard message reclaims this phrase, symbolizing resistance against discrimination and political targeting.

Background on the Terror Charges

Mo Chara was charged after an incident last November where he reportedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a Kneecap concert. Hezbollah is designated as a proscribed terrorist organization by the UK government, making this a sensitive and controversial matter.

Kneecap has consistently denied any support for Hezbollah or Hamas, stressing that they do not promote or incite violence. They argue that footage from the UK shows was taken out of context and branded the legal charges a “carnival of distraction.”

Standing Firm Against Political Policing

In a defiant social media post, Kneecap stated, “British courts have long charged people from the North of Ireland with ‘terrorism’ for crimes never committed. We will fight them. We will win.” The group insists their prosecution is a form of political policing aimed at silencing their voice.

This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. – Kneecap

The band’s stance highlights their belief that the true focus should be on broader global issues rather than their prosecution.

Kneecap’s Call to Action and Public Support

Last month, during their headline set at the 2025 Wide Awake Festival, Kneecap playfully encouraged fans to gather outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court “with a big bag of ket” to support Mo Chara during the hearing. The group's lead spoke candidly about the charges, describing them as a tactic to silence their commentary on political and social issues.

“The fact that I’m speaking to this amount of people, and I assume the majority of people agree, shows that we’re on the right side of history,” said Chara during the festival.

The group used the festival appearance to express their solidarity with Palestine and to challenge attempts to shut down their performances, particularly their Glastonbury set.

Backing from Music Icons and Activist Groups

Kneecap has received vocal support from notable figures and organizations. Tom Morello, Brian Eno, Pulp, and Fontaines D.C. are among those who signed an open letter defending freedom of expression amid the controversy.

Massive Attack, famously boycotting performances in Israel since 1999, declared their support by stating, “Kneecap are not the story. Gaza is the story. Genocide is the story.”

Additionally, Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) publicly aligned with Kneecap in a statement affirming their opposition to efforts aimed at silencing the band.

Love Music Hate Racism stands with Kneecap against the attempts to silence them for speaking out for Gaza. Anyone trying to silence them, or get them pulled from shows, is on the wrong side of history.

LMHR has always attempted to use the power of music to unite people against hate and division. We stand with Kneecap against those directing hate towards the movement for Palestine. We call on all to stand with Kneecap and defend Mo Chara on June 18 outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

Kneecap’s Latest Political Anthem

Continuing their activism through music, Kneecap recently dropped a politically charged single titled The Recap, featuring Mozey. The track further cements their reputation for blending sharp political commentary with energetic rap delivery.

Kneecap at Glastonbury and Cultural Impact

Below is a video showcasing Kneecap’s performance at Glastonbury 2024, where they also touch on their inspirations from bands like Fontaines D.C., Lewis Capaldi, and actor Paul Mescal.

Standing Up in the Face of Controversy

Kneecap’s ongoing battle against what they call a “witch hunt” highlights the intersection of music, politics, and social justice. Their bold billboard campaign and public statements underscore their refusal to be silenced, turning their court appearance into a symbol of resistance against political persecution.

Conclusion

Are Kneecap’s bold moves signaling a new era of politically charged artistry that refuses to back down? Their fight certainly raises important questions about freedom of expression and political justice in today’s climate.

FAQs

• What are the terror charges against Mo Chara?
  Mo Chara faces charges related to displaying a Hezbollah flag during a Kneecap concert in November 2024, which the UK government regards as a terrorist symbol.
• How has Kneecap responded to the charges?
  Kneecap denies the charges, calling the case political policing and a “carnival of distraction.” They emphasize they do not support violence or terrorist groups.
• What message do the London billboards convey?
  The billboards reclaim a historically discriminatory slogan to highlight past and present injustices, showing solidarity and resistance against political persecution.
• Which artists and groups support Kneecap?
  Artists such as Tom Morello, Brian Eno, Pulp, Fontaines D.C., and Massive Attack, along with organizations like Love Music Hate Racism, have publicly supported Kneecap.
• What is the significance of the Wide Awake Festival performance?
  Kneecap used the festival to address their legal troubles, call for public support, declare solidarity with Palestine, and affirm their commitment to freedom of expression.

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