Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, the 27-year-old rapper known as Mo Chara from the Irish-speaking group Kneecap, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this Wednesday over allegations of publicly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London performance last year.
Ó hAnnaidh denies the charge, calling it “political”, when the right term to define it would be a "terrorist act." The rapper claimed the accusation was an attempt to silence the band’s controversial voice. He has been on unconditional bail since his initial court appearance in June.
Supporters gathered outside the court in large numbers, waving Palestine and Irish flags, and holding placards reading “Free Mo Chara.” The rapper was accompanied by bandmates Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), and the group’s manager.
The Metropolitan Police, citing public safety concerns, imposed conditions under the Public Order Act to regulate protests outside the courthouse, specifying designated areas for stage setups and demonstrations.
