Deego, the band’s bassist, commented on the CPS move to challenge the dismissal of Mo Chara’s terrorism charges at the 2025 Mercury Prize in Newcastle.

Fontaines D.C.’s Deego has spoken out about the “witch hunt” directed at Kneecap and criticized the British police for their response to protests against the genocide in Palestine. Watch the full video interview above.

The band’s bassist spoke with NME during the 2025 Mercury Prize, which took place at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena last night (October 16). The Irish group were nominated for their 2024 album Romance and appeared on the shortlist alongside CMAT, Pa Salieu, Wolf Alice, and eventual winner Sam Fender.

Kneecap rapper Mo Chara – real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – was charged with a terrorism-related offence after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a London performance last November. The charges were dismissed last month due to a procedural issue concerning how the case was brought forward. Following the court’s decision, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed it would appeal the ruling.

“I stand in solidarity with the boys, d’you know what I mean?” Deego said when asked about what Kneecap and Mo Chara have faced this year. “I think what they stand for is incredible. It’s a very tough position for anyone to be put in, but to hold firm and stay true to their beliefs is something else. I think it really is a witch hunt. They’re clearly being made an example of.”

The musician also addressed how the British police have handled demonstrations against the genocide in Palestine, where some protesters have been arrested for supporting a banned organisation. In July 2025, the UK government officially listed Palestine Action as a terrorist group, making any show of support for it a criminal act. Since that announcement, social media clips have circulated showing elderly and disabled demonstrators being detained for holding signs expressing opposition to genocide and solidarity with Palestine Action.

“There are videos I’ve seen recently of people going down to the Palestine Action marches and just saying satirically, ‘I support genocide’, and the police do nothing,” Deego said. “It’s a really crazy thing that you can’t say, ‘I don’t support genocide’.”

Elsewhere in the conversation, Deego reflected on two years of touring and promoting Romance. “It’s been an amazing experience, honestly,” he told NME. “I think we made a record we really wanted to push creatively, and our fans didn’t turn away from it. That was special – to be able to go out there and not only have them stay with us, but also take the time to understand the new material. That meant a lot.”

The bassist went on to share that the group have already begun “little bits of ideas individually” and have plans “soon enough” to meet up and “share what we’ve been working on.” When asked about what has been inspiring him lately, he added, “Recently, I’ve been really getting into UK hardcore.”

Sam Fender took home the 2025 Mercury Prize last night for his third studio album People Watching. During his acceptance speech, he thanked “very good friends” Fontaines D.C. and CMAT, saying that he was in “great company” among the nominees.

Speaking backstage after the ceremony, Fender said, “We didn’t think we were going to win anything, so I’m still in shock. It’s such an honour, and it feels amazing that it’s happened here, the first time outside London. I think it’s a really important moment for the music industry, and I’m glad to be part of it.”