Counter-terrorism officers in the UK are currently reviewing a video that allegedly shows a member of Irish rap group Kneecap expressing support for proscribed terrorist organisations during a live performance.
The video, which has surfaced on social media, appears to capture one of the trio shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” while on stage.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are listed as terrorist groups under UK law, making any public support for them a potential criminal offence.
The clip in question was posted online by Danny Morris, a representative of the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity focused on protecting the Jewish community in the UK.
Morris claimed the footage was taken at a Kneecap concert held in November at the Kentish Town Forum in London. The CST has previously raised concerns about rising anti-Semitism and urged authorities to take threats or incitements of violence seriously.
“This kind of rhetoric is dangerous and inflammatory,” Morris said in a post accompanying the video. “Authorities must investigate whether criminal lines have been crossed.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the video had come to their attention and was now in the hands of a specialised counter-terrorism unit.
“We have been made aware of the video and it has been referred to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit for assessment and to determine whether any further police investigation may be required,” the spokesperson stated.
The unit will examine whether the clip breaches Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits expressions of support for proscribed organisations.
Under UK law, specifically the Terrorism Act 2000, expressing support for banned terrorist groups can be prosecuted.
Section 12 states that it is an offence to express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation if the person knows or believes that the organisation is proscribed.
The law aims to prevent the glorification or legitimisation of terrorist activity, particularly in public or widely-shared forums like concerts or online platforms.
The controversy comes on the heels of recent criticism from television personality Sharon Osbourne, who publicly condemned Kneecap for what she described as “aggressive political statements” made during their recent performance at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in California.
“This group should not be given platforms internationally,” she said in an interview. “Their projections of anti-Israel messages and hate speech have no place in civil society. The US should revoke their visas immediately.”
Kneecap, known for their provocative lyrics and unapologetically political stance, have long attracted both passionate supporters and vocal critics.
In a separate development, the group recently won a discrimination case against the UK government, after then-business secretary Kemi Badenoch denied them access to public arts funding.
The court ruled in Kneecap’s favour, noting that the decision appeared to be politically motivated. This latest incident may once again put the trio under scrutiny, as authorities weigh the balance between artistic expression and public safety.
