A 27-year-old man from Belfast has been charged with a terrorism-related offence after allegedly displaying a Hizballah flag at a public event in London.

Liam O’Hanna, born 16 October 1997, is accused of showing the flag of the proscribed organisation Hizballah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on 21 November 2024. The charge follows a Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command investigation into a video that surfaced online earlier this year.

Details of the Charge

According to a statement issued today by the Met Police, O’Hanna has been charged by postal requisition under section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits the display of articles in a manner that could arouse reasonable suspicion of support for a banned terrorist group.

“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 statement read.

Investigation and Court Appearance

The Met’s Counter Terrorism officers became aware of a video circulating online showing the flag being displayed at the music venue. Following enquiries, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the charge.

O’Hanna is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.

Hizballah Ban in the UK

The UK government proscribed Hizballah’s political and military wings as a terrorist organisation in 2019, making it illegal to express support or display its symbols in public.

Conviction under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 can carry a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

Public Reaction and Context

Security experts warn that incidents involving banned symbols can increase tensions at public events and pose broader national security concerns. The case comes amid ongoing vigilance by UK counter-terrorism units, particularly around public gatherings and demonstrations.