The terror charge against the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has been dropped by a U.K. court, providing a win for the band and their supporters. This result arrives after the group, comprised of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, faced these charges in relation to their activism regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, which thay describe as a distraction. Kneecap’s stance, including their Coachella performance where they stated “F–k Israel; free Palestine,” has drawn important attention and calls for action against the band.News Directory 3 provides extensive coverage of this case and its impact. The group continues to face scrutiny over their statements, some of which have been taken out of context. Discover what’s next …
Kneecap Terror Charge Dropped: Belfast Trio Cleared in U.K. Court
A U.K.court has dismissed the terror charge against Kneecap, the controversial Irish hip-hop group. Supporters and the band’s label,Heavenly,had encouraged fans to attend the hearing.
Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, the members of Kneecap, arrived at court wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts. Leading up to the case, Kneecap had launched billboards in London with the message ‘More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara,’ referencing a discriminatory slogan from London pubs in the mid-20th century.
The group has described the charge as a “carnival of distraction” from the Israel-Palestine conflict. They maintain that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians,enabled by U.S. funding and arms.
Kneecap believes their pro-Palestine views have been weaponized against them,infringing on their artistic freedom of speech. Artists such as Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., Paul Weller, and IDLES have signed an open letter in support. Johnny Marr, former guitarist for The Smiths, also voiced his support and urged that Kneecap remain on the Glastonbury Festival bill despite calls for a boycott.
The Northern Irish hip-hop trio released their album, Fine Art, in 2024. A biopic of the same name received critical acclaim, earning an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA prize.
In April 2025, Kneecap concluded their Coachella set with a message stating: “Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people… F–k Israel; free Palestine.” sharon Osbourne and others called for their removal from the festival and the revocation of their work visas.
Videos resurfaced, including one from November 2023 in wich the group allegedly said: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” Kneecap apologized to the families of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox, members of Parliament who were killed in separate incidents.
“Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians,always. It is indeed never okay,” the group stated.“We also reject any suggestion that we woudl seek to incite violence against any MP or individual… An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.” No charges were filed regarding this incident.
Several of Kneecap’s shows were canceled, including Sail in Glasgow and the eden Sessions in Cornwall. The group quickly announced and sold out replacement shows in those cities.
