Irish Republican rap group Kneecap has been referred to counter terrorism police over alleged pro-Hamas chants.
The controversial band, which received £14,000 in public funding from Labour, is now under scrutiny by the Metropolitan Police.
Footage emerged earlier this week from a 2024 gig showing one band member apparently shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” while draped in the terror organisation’s flag.
The incident has prompted police to assess whether the material breaks UK terrorism laws.
Kneecap has been referred to counter terrorism police over alleged pro-Hamas chants
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This comes after the group used their Easter weekend performance at Coachella Festival in California to project a slogan stating “f*** Israel Free Palestine”.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on April 22 that they are investigating the footage.
A Met spokesman told The Telegraph: “We have been made aware of the video today (April 22) 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 Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit operates as a national unit within the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Footage emerged earlier this week from a 2024 gig showing one band member apparently shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”
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Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed terror organisations under UK law.
It is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to “invite support for a proscribed organisation”.
The band’s actions at Coachella and the emergence of the 2024 gig footage have sparked controversy given their receipt of public funding.
The band’s controversial statements come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Kneecap, which combines Irish and English lyrics in their music, has gained notoriety for their political messaging.
Their performance at Coachella, one of America’s largest music festivals, brought their views to an international audience.
The Metropolitan Police will now determine if the footage constitutes a breach of terrorism legislation.
Under UK law, publicly supporting proscribed organisations can result in serious legal consequences.
The Metropolitan Police will now determine if the footage constitutes a breach of terrorism legislation
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The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit regularly assesses online content that may violate terrorism laws.
The band has not yet publicly responded to the police investigation.
The case has drawn attention to the £14,000 in public funding that Kneecap received from Labour.
The police assessment will determine whether their actions cross the line from artistic expression to potential terrorism offences.
