'It is Israel who should be in the dock, not Kneecap' - Inishowen anti-war group

The Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group has said it “appreciates and cheers” the stance taken by Belfast band Kneecap to highlight the plight of those living in Gaza under Israeli bombardment.

Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – known by his stage name ‘Mo Chara’ – appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning, charged with a terrorism offence, after allegedly waving a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig last November.

However, the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group has criticised his arrest and prosecution by the UK authorities as “ridiculous” and as “an example of political policing”.

“I think it is extreme pro-Israeli bias to charge and focus on Kneecap's Mo Chara, while the British government has been actively supporting the genocidal Israeli regime with armaments and intelligence, and is now doing same with Israeli attacks on Iran,” said IPSG member Caroline Kuyper.

“It is Israel who should be in the dock, for war crimes, genocidal actions, illegal occupation and the apartheid regime. We appreciate and cheer Kneecap’s strong support for the Palestinian people and their right to justice and freedom,” she added.

Caroline says many more famous people are beginning to speak out, joining the many millions of ordinary people all over the world, who are calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Gaza and an end to the apartheid system, as well as the return of all hostages, both Israeli and Palestinian.

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Meanwhile, the Inishowen Palestine Solidarity Group held another poignant vigil in Buncrana on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15, to honour the many thousands of Palestinian fathers who have been wounded or killed, or who have had to bury their children.

The well-attended demonstration at the Buncrana Fire Station roundabout received huge support from passing motorists and pedestrians, IPSG members said.

“Increasingly, many more people are becoming vocal and visible about the urgent need to stop the genocide in Gaza,” said Caroline.

“We also highlighted the many thousands of Palestinian children growing up without a father, as they have been shot, bombed, imprisoned, often without any trial, and tortured,” she said.