Belfast Man Charged Over Hizballah Flag at London Gig
A 27-year-old from Belfast faces terror charges after allegedly flashing a Hizballah flag at a London music event.
Liam O’Hanna Hits Trouble for Terror Symbol
Liam O’Hanna, born 16 October 1997, is accused of waving the banned Hizballah flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on 21 November 2024. This offence follows a Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism investigation sparked by a video circulating online earlier this year.
Serious Terrorism Charges Laid
The Met Police revealed O’Hanna was charged by postal requisition under section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000. The law forbids displaying any article that could reasonably suggest support for banned terrorist groups.
“On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, [O’Hanna] displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah,” the police statement said.
Investigation Led by Met’s Counter Terrorism Command
Counter Terrorism officers were alerted after a video showing the flag at the venue surfaced online. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) then authorised the charge.
O’Hanna is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
UK’s Firm Stance on Hizballah
The UK government outlawed Hizballah’s military and political wings as a terrorist organisation in 2019. Displaying their symbols or expressing support publicly is illegal.
Breaching section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 can land an offender up to 10 years behind bars and/or hefty fines.
Public Safety and National Security Concerns
Experts warn that flashing banned terror symbols can ramp up tensions at public events and fuel wider security risks. This arrest comes amid ongoing UK counter-terrorism vigilance, especially around public gatherings and protests.
