A police investigation into controversial Belfast rap trio Kneecap following their performance at this year’s Glastonbury Festival has been dropped, with authorities citing a lack of evidence to pursue charges.
Kneecap – comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara), Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Moglai Bap), and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí) – shared a screenshot online that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer, confirming the case had been dropped.
The Irish group are known for their outspoken vocal support for the Palestinian cause and has been targeted by the British justice system over what the band referred to as a “trumped up terrorism charge”.
The Glastonbury controversy stemmed from comments made on stage by Ó Cairealláin, who referenced bandmate Ó hAnnaidh’s upcoming court date – he was charged under the Terrorism Act earlier this year.
“Mo Chara was in court this month,” said Moglai Bap (Ó Cairealláin). “Was anyone there? Mo Chara’s in court for a trumped up terrorism charge. It’s not the first time there was a miscarriage of justice for an Irish person in the British justice system”.
Chara then mentioned Keir Starmer – who argued that it was “not appropriate” for the band to be playing at Glastonbury: “The Prime Minister of your country said he didn’t want us to play, so f*ck Keir Starmer.”
They echoed this sentiment when introducing their fan favourite song ‘Get Your Brits Out’, with Chara telling the crowd: “We f*cking love the English people, it’s the English government we can’t stand. F*ck Keir Starmer.