A Kneecap rapper accused of waving a Hezbollah flag at a gig has appeared in court, aided by an Irish language interpreter.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of the terrorist group Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
He was charged with a terrorism offence following the alleged incident during the concert at the O2 Forum Kentish Town ‘in such a way or in such a circumstance as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation’.
He arrived wearing a keffiyeh and an all-black outfit. In court, he removed a cap and sunglasses before sitting beside an interpreter outside the dock.
Mr O Hanna spoke – during the hearing in English – to confirm his name, date of birth and address, while the public gallery was filled with dozens of the band’s supporters.
Today’s hearing is expected to consider defence arguments that the charge was brought out of time and should therefore be dismissed.
If this application is unsuccessful, then the musician will likely have to enter a plea.
Liam O’Hanna, who goes under the stage name, Mo Chara, is seen arriving at Westminster Magistrates’ Court ahead of the hearing
Rapper Naoise Ó Cairealláin, also knows as Móglaí Bap, seen leaving the vehicle and heading into the court
J. J. O Dochartaigh, also known as DJ Próvaí, was also seen going into the court
Ahead of the hearing, the rap band urged their admirers to ‘show up for Kneecap’ outside Westminster Magistrates Court.
As the band arrived at the court just after 9.30am, the crowd erupted into cheers and shouts as some of the members concealed their faces with red, black and white Keffiyeh scarves on their way in.
The 27-year-old entered the court building as security officers attempted to usher him through the front entrance.
In a series of Instagram infographics, the band said: ‘The attack on Mo Chara of Kneecap is part of a broader crackdown on solidarity with Palestine.
‘British terrorism legislation was first brought in against the Irish liberation struggle.
‘Today it is being used to repress and censor all those who stand with Palestine, against British support for Zionism.
Demonstrators holding up signs displaying ‘Free Mo Chara’ and ‘drop the charges’
Supporters gathered outside the court to show their support for the band member
The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court can take place
Signs being held by fans of the band outside the court this morning
Videos emerged of a Kneecap gig at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London in November 2024 where one of the band members appeared to shout ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’, and was draped in the Hezbollah flag
‘Defend the right to defend Palestine.’
Fans who gathered outside the courts were seen waving Irish and Palestinian flags while holding signs stating: ‘Free Mo Chara’, ‘F*** you Netanyahu’ and ‘Kneecap: Rap for what is right’.
Many protesters were also draped in keffiyehs, while others were seen sporting high-vis vests.
At the centre of the demonstration, campaigners erected a stage for performances of music as well as speeches.
Meanwhile, dozens of police officers arrived outside the courtroom at around 9am while the crowds chanted ‘free, free Palestine’ and ‘free, free Mo Chara’.
The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court can take place, saying they are needed to ‘prevent serious disruption’.
In response, Kneecap described this move as a ‘calculated political decision’ that was ‘designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome’.
But it added: ‘We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful.’
