Kneecap’s Mo Chara: ‘It was always about Gaza’
Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, has given a statement after a terrorism case against him was thrown out by a court in London over a technical error.
He thanked his lawyers and translator and said: “This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about ‘terrorism’, a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress.”
Mo Chara continued: “It was always about Gaza. About what happens if you dare to speak up.”
He said the rap group will continue to speak up for Gaza. “If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it is the British state. Free Palestine!”
A message from Liam Óg:
"A massive thank you to my legal team.
Darragh, Jude, blinne, Brenda, Gareth and to all at Phoenix law.
A special thanks also to my interpreter Susan.
This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about… pic.twitter.com/xj16kEvcdl
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) September 26, 2025
Eurovision to vote on Israel’s participation over Gaza war
The European Broadcasting Union, which organises the Eurovision Song Contest, says its members will vote in November on Israel’s participation next year amid calls to boycott the country over its genocide in Gaza.
According to spokesperson Dave Goodman, the board of the EBU, which brings together public broadcasters and runs the event, has sent a letter to members indicating the vote will take place at an extraordinary general meeting held online in early November.
The vote will be on whether Kan, the Israeli public broadcaster and member of the EBU, will participate, Goodman said. An “absolute majority” would be required for an exclusion to pass.
“This is one of the biggest crises that Eurovision has ever faced because it has the potential to really cement division within the organisation,” said Dean Vuletic, an expert on the history of Eurovision.
“If we have two blocs – one which is threatening a boycott and another which is remaining steadfast in its support of Israel – then this is potentially the most serious crisis that the contest has faced.”
Germany and Austria have backed Israel’s participation.
