Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

Mo Chara from the Irish Hip Hop trio Kneecap. (AFP)
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Updated 22 May 2025
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Kneecap describes terror offence charge as ‘political policing’

DUBAI: Northern Irish rap group Kneecap, who recently made headlines for their support for Palestine at California’s Coachella music festival, have described a terror offence charge against one of their members as “political policing.” 

“14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us,” the group said in a statement on X on Thursday. “This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story, genocide is.”

On Wednesday, group member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terrorism offence for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in London in November 2024. The rapper performs under the stage name Mo Chara and he is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on June 18 in London. 

The rapper is accused of displaying the flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on Nov. 21, 2024, “in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation,” London’s Metropolitan police said. 

The police force’s counter-terrorism command was made aware on April 22 of an online video from the event and then carried out an investigation. After that, the Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charge. 

“A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn’t have a jury. What’s the objective? To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out,” the band said in a statement this week.


Hungary ban an attempt to ‘silence’ Palestine supporters: Kneecap

Updated 34 sec ago
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Hungary ban an attempt to ‘silence’ Palestine supporters: Kneecap

  • Irish rap trio accuse authorities in Budapest of causing ‘political distraction’ after they are denied entry to play at popular festival
  • Group are famous supporters of Palestinian cause, accused Israel of war crimes

LONDON: Irish musicians Kneecap have branded their ban from Hungary a “political distraction” to “silence” support for Palestinians.

The rappers were due to perform at the Sziget Festival on Aug. 11, but have been banned from the country for three years over accusations of antisemitism.

Kneecap, famous for their support of the Palestinian cause, said in a statement their ban was a “further attempt to silence those who call out genocide against the Palestinian people.”

The statement added: “There is no legal basis for (the Hungarian government’s) actions, no member of Kneecap has ever been convicted of any crime in any country.

“We stand against all hate crimes and Kneecap champions love and solidarity as well as calling out injustices where we see it.”

In a post on social media platform X, Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs suggested the group would “seriously threaten national security,” and added: “Hungary’s government has moved to ban Kneecap from entering the country and performing at Sziget … citing antisemitic hate speech and open praise for Hamas and Hezbollah as justification.”

Kneecap caused controversy earlier this year after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh — who performs under the stage name Mo Chara  — displayed a Hezbollah flag at a concert. He is due to appear at a court in London on Aug. 20 charged with offenses under the UK Terrorism Act, which he denies. The band have stated they do not support Hezbollah or Hamas.

At Glastonbury Festival this year, Chara accused Israel of committing war crimes against the Palestinians.

More than 150 Hungarian artists and musicians signed a petition against Kneecap playing at Sziget. 

But festival organizers said the government’s ban was “both unnecessary and regrettable,” adding the group had “reassured us that their performance would not contravene either Sziget’s values or Hungarian law.”

The organizers added: “Sziget Festival’s values mean we condemn hate speech, while guaranteeing the fundamental right to artistic freedom of expression for every performer. Cancel culture and cultural boycotts are not the solution.

“We fear that (the) government’s decision announced today to ban Kneecap may not only damage the reputation of Sziget, but also negatively affect Hungary’s standing worldwide.”


The best movies of the year so far 

Updated 24 July 2025
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The best movies of the year so far 

  • From awesome animation to devastating documentary, here are our top films of 2025 to date 

DUBAI: From awesome animation to devastating documentary, here are our top films of 2025 to date.

‘A Complete Unknown’ 

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro 

Director: James Mangold 

Chalamet gained deserved plaudits for his portrayal of arguably the greatest singer-songwriter in the history of modern Western music, Bob Dylan, in Mangold’s biopic — and he does a fine job, capturing the star’s fragile ego and magnetic charisma. But the true star of “A Complete Unknown” may be Barbaro as Dylan’s fellow folk-music star Joan Baez, she embodies Baez’s fiery nature, intelligence and talent brilliantly. Mangold navigates the many myths (often self-generated) surrounding Dylan to create an utterly convincing look at his early career, up to the infamous furor created when he turned his back on folk purism by using electric instruments. Biopics of musicians have a checkered past, but “A Complete Unknown” is definitely one of the good ones. 

 

‘Ocean with David Attenborough’ 

Directors: Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey, Colin Butfield 

Starring: David Attenborough 

Perhaps the year’s most vital movie so far is a documentary fronted by a 99-year-old. In “Ocean,” the venerable English biologist and broadcaster presents a gorgeously shot, awe-inspiring and immersive film that examines the damage done in the depths of Earth’s oceans by the thousands of super-sized fishing trawlers operating around our planet constantly. With his trademark authority and passion, Attenborough lays out just what is at risk if they continue their destruction. But crucially, he also offers hope: the oceans, scientists have discovered, can recover at remarkable rates. “As nature documentaries go, it’s hard to imagine “Ocean” being bettered,” our reviewer wrote. 

 

‘Flow’ 

Director: Gints Zilbalodis 

Writers/producers: Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaza 

Quite how a film with no dialogue manages to be so engaging, thought-provoking and moving is a mystery. But this Latvian animation about a black cat struggling to survive alongside a small group of other animals in a post-apocalyptic world in which water levels are rising dramatically is all of that and much more. It’s a slow-burner, meditative at points, but with moments of great peril and small heroics. From the beautifully rendered landscapes to the astonishing attention to small details in the animals’ movements, noises and behavior, “Flow” is clearly a labor of love, and deservedly picked up Best Animated Feature at both the Oscars and the Golden Globes.  

 

‘The Phoenician Scheme’ 

Starring: Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed 

Director: Wes Anderson 

This 1950s-set story of an arms dealer whose near-death experience leads him to try and fix his relationship with his estranged daughter, a nun, is not the best Wes Anderson movie, but it’s still a Wes Anderson movie, and so delivers typically stunning cinematography, great (and heavily stylized) performances from a stellar ensemble cast (including those mentioned above plus Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, Bill Murray, and many more), plenty of dark humor, and a singular world view. If only every director’s “not their best” work could match up. 

 

‘Black Bag’ 

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela 

Director: Steven Soderbergh 

The conceit at the heart of “Black Bag” — a husband-wife spy duo — is nothing new; nor is its ‘twist’ of one being assigned to investigate the other when they are suspected of being a traitor. But with Soderbergh at the helm, and actors as accomplished as Blanchett and Fassbender as the leads, this super-stylish thriller sets itself apart. Fassbender plays British intelligence officer George Woodhouse, whose wife Kathryn (Blanchett) is just one of five people suspected of leaking some top-secret software, but she quickly climbs to the top of that list when George discovers her secret Swiss bank account. 

 

‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ 

Voice cast: Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith 

Directors: Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham 

There is so much to admire about Aardman Animations’ sixth installment in this action-comedy series about a provincial English inventor and his long-suffering dog. Not least that it proves to certain film studios (hey Marvel) that it’s still possible to tell an entertaining yarn in 90 minutes or less. With Aardman’s usual jaw-dropping stop-motion skills providing the arresting visuals, and Park and co-writer Mark Burton’s knack for creating storylines that produce giggles and feels for all ages as strong as ever, this was a very welcome return for our two unlikely heroes and their arch enemy Feathers McGraw, out to frame Wallace in revenge for his imprisonment back in 1993’s “The Wrong Trousers.” 

 

‘Sinners’ 

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Canton 

Director: Ryan Coogler 

One of the most entertaining vampire films we’ve seen for a while. Jordan is excellent in dual roles as Elijah and Elias Smoke — twin brothers returning to their hometown and trying to outrun their criminal past. Set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, it’s partially inspired by the legend of the blues musician Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil. The blues plays a major role in the movie too (with some not-so-subtle digs at the fact that some of the blues’ biggest fans would also likely be adversaries of the Black musicians making it), as the twins’ cousin Sammie is a hugely talented musician. The brothers set up their own juke joint, at which Sammie’s the resident star. Then the joint becomes a target for undead forces of evil. “Sinners” is brash, bold, and a lot of fun. 


Review: A luxurious Riyadh staycation at the Mansard Hotel 

Updated 24 July 2025
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Review: A luxurious Riyadh staycation at the Mansard Hotel 

  • Radisson Collection property offers a relaxing, indulgent experience for guests 

RIYADH: The Mansard Hotel in Riyadh has established itself as a top choice among those looking for a luxury staycation in the Kingdom’s capital. This exquisite establishment offers a plethora of facilities, including a top-tier restaurant and a renowned spa by L’Occitane that promises a rejuvenating experience catering to both relaxation and indulgence.  

The Mansard is a Radisson Collection Hotel and was recently nominated for the Favorite Luxury Hotel in Riyadh award by What’s On Saudi Arabia. The hotel marries classic European architecture with the warmth of Arabian hospitality, and its location in the heart of the city — in the vibrant Hittin neighborhood — ensures convenient access to key destinations including King Khalid International Airport and the King Abdullah Financial District.  

In Hittin, guests can explore an array of trendy shops and cafés, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture. However, you could also simply remain in the hotel; it really does have everything you need — the inviting outdoor spaces and stunning European architecture created a serene atmosphere that enhanced our experience — including some great dining options.  

We began our culinary journey at L’Ami Dave, billed as “a contemporary homage to the legendary restaurants of Paris.” The grand interior features high ceilings and lush textures that give the place an elegant old-world atmosphere.  

We indulged in escargots de Bourgogne, a classic French dish of snails prepared in garlic-herb butter, which was delightful. The green salad of baby romaine lettuce, fine herbs, and Dijon vinaigrette complemented the dish perfectly. The quiche Lorraine, filled with spinach, shallots, and bacon, was another standout, paired beautifully with a petite spinach salad.   

We also dined at Carbone — an Italian-American restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere. We tried the octopus pizzaiolo, which was flavorful and well-prepared. The New York strip was also well executed, though the carpaccio could have benefited from additional arugula.  

Unfortunately, the Dover sole fish was a disappointment, lacking the seasoning and flavor that one would expect from a fine-dining establishment. And despite its reputation, the most famous pasta dish was mediocre, with a presentation that left much to be desired.   

On a positive note, Carbone’s Wagyu NY strip was satisfying, and we enjoyed a refreshing lemon cheesecake for dessert — a perfect way to conclude our meal.    

Breakfast the following morning at Sadelle’s was another success. I savored the avocado Benedict on sourdough, as well as the fluffy Belgian waffles, all of which was delicious and set a positive tone for the day.  

No stay at Mansard would be complete without a visit to the Spa by L’Occitane. It features a massive heated pool, where we enjoyed a refreshing dip, followed by the jacuzzi, which proved a perfect way to unwind. We were particularly enamored with the salt room, designed to “cleanse negative energy.” I also treated myself to a Moroccan bath, a deeply relaxing experience.  

The Mansard offers a luxurious escape that combines modern amenities with traditional charm. From the exceptional dining experiences to the relaxing spa treatments, every aspect of the stay was designed for our comfort and indulgence. I left feeling refreshed and keen to return, convinced that this hotel really does provide a perfect staycation. If you’re searching for a place to unwind and enjoy the best that Riyadh has to offer, look no further.  


Where We Are Going Today: Amazonia Nursery Farm

Updated 24 July 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Amazonia Nursery Farm

RIYADH:  A few kilometers outside the Kingdom’s capital, between the hills of Al-Amaaria village, one can explore and learn about various plants while spending time with loved ones at Amazonia Nursery Farm.

Plant lovers can explore and shop a variety of herbal plants, vegetables, fruits and flowers, including roses and Japanese houseplants. 

Several seating areas are available where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and pastries.

Along with a coffee house nearby, there is a bakery that serves Lebanese pastries such as manakish and stuffed flatbread, as well as other options such as burgers and fried items.

During my visit with my family, I liked how the place was spacious and relaxing. The food options were also not bad or too oily.

There is a coffee house in the middle of the farm that also provides an ice cream corner and unique house plants, including Japanese indoor plants. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

However, although Amazonia Nursery Farm is a family-friendly location, it might not be ideal for larger groups.

We cut our visit short because the seating area was not the best; we couldn’t find a suitable table except for one, especially since there were elderly people in the group, and it was difficult for them to sit on the ground for too long.

Another disadvantage was that the food took from 15 to 20 minutes to prepare so we had to wait a while for our order.

Regardless, the place is worth a visit at least once, and is suitable for families with children who enjoy nature and a good overall atmosphere.

It opens daily from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m.
 


Amira Al-Zuhair highlights summer campaigns

Updated 23 July 2025
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Amira Al-Zuhair highlights summer campaigns

DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair is having a whirlwind summer, having recently walked the runway at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, and taking to Instagram this week to share behind-the-scenes photos from a social media campaign for Oscar de la Renta.

In one image, she puts on jewelry while wearing a look from the luxury brand’s Fall 2025 collection. The black velvet gown featured elegantly placed clusters of crystals on the bodice.

Days before sharing the photo, she took part in Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda show in Rome, wearing a golden bustier.

In June, Al-Zuhair hit the runway at the AWGE show as a part of Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

The model showed off an ensemble featuring a trench coat  layered over a white vest and tartan-style miniskirt by A$AP Rocky’s label.

Earlier last month, birthday tributes poured in for the model as she celebrated her 24th birthday.

From producer Kawther Alrimawi to lifestyle publication Hia Magazine, fashion and entertainment industry insiders took to social media to wish the star a happy birthday.

The model wrapped up shooting a campaign for an unnamed brand in Milan when the clock struck midnight. She marked the beginning of her birthday with a candle-topped dessert at a restaurant in the Italian city.

Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has made her mark on the fashion world and appeared on the runway for an array of renowned fashion houses.

She has walked for Missoni, Maison Alaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and many more.

In addition to her runway appearances, Al-Zuhair has featured in campaigns for high-profile brands including Prada, Chanel and Carolina Herrera.

Al-Zuhair also made a runway appearance in May when she walked in Louis Vuitton’s high jewelry collection show, held at Bellver Castle on the island of Majorca, Spain.

In late May, Al-Zuhair also reflected on her recent campaign with Balmain, sharing photos from the Resort 2025 collection shoot. “Had so much fun shooting inside the Eiffel Tower herself!” she wrote in the caption.

It was not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.