Met Police officers could be seen entering the 100 Club on Oxford Street in central London on May 22 where rap trio Kneecap had announced a surprise sold-out gig on Thursday night
Police turned up at Kneecap’s surprise gig in London on Thursday just hours after rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence.
Three officers were spotted entering the 100 Club, located on Oxford Street, where the rap trio had announced the performance for May 22 at approximately 7.35pm. A queue had started forming ahead of the concert as anticipation continued to build in the lead-up.
Posting on X, the band had confirmed that tickets had sold out in a mere 90 seconds with a growing waiting list of around 2,000 people. Due to this huge crowd, the Metropolitan Police had confirmed plans were in place to ensure health and safety at the event.
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The Met Office told The Mirror: “A police plan was in place around last night’s event to ensure it passed off safely. This was primarily in terms of managing visitors to the venue for what was understood to be a spontaneous and sold out event.”
It comes after Óg Ó hAnnaidh – who performs under the name Mo Chara – was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag. A proscribed terror organisation where it is considered a crime for ‘inviting support’ for the group.
The incident is believed to have taken place on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Police from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command launched an urgent probe after being made aware on April 22.
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Following a review of video footage from the event, Óg Ó hAnnaidh was later charged with an offence relating to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. The 27-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18.
Kneecap responded, indicating they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah, arguing the footage in question was taken out of context. A number of gigs featuring the group have since been cancelled.
In a statement, the Met Police said: “A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. Liam O’Hanna, 27, of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hezballah, a proscribed organisation.
“On November 21 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event.
Source: Mirror
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