Grian Chatten calls KNEECAP terror charge a "witch hunt"

Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten has deemed KNEECAP’s Mo Chara’s terror charge as a “witch hunt”.

In a recent interview with The Irish Times, the frontman doubled down on his support for the Belfast rap trio. “It’s a categorical witch hunt, and that’s fairly plain to see to anyone who has a discerning eye,” he said, referencing the terror charge. “I stand by their side, and I’m totally unafraid to do so. I think all of us are.”

Chatten featured on KNEECAP’s debut album, Fine Art, which dropped in June 2024.

KNEECAP founder Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court this Wednesday, 18th June. The charge relates to two on-stage incidents from shows in London in 2024 and 2023, respectively.

KNEECAP have vehemently denied supporting either Hamas or Hezbollah, and said that they do not condone violence. The footage from the past gigs came to light following the trio’s Coachella performance, where they unveiled messages saying: "Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "Fuck Israel, Free Palestine." KNEECAP have condemned the terror charge, calling it a “carnival of distraction".

Last week, the trio unveiled the legal team which will represent Óg Ó hAnnaidh at the Westminster court this week, which includes Gareth Peirce, who was the solicitor for Gerry Conlon and the Guildford Four and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn, who represented Extinction Rebellion protesters in court.

His legal team also includes Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law, Brenda Campbell KC, Jude Bunting KC and Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC.

 

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