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KNEECAP’S LIAM ÓG Ó hAnnaidh has been released on unconditional bail to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court again in August.
The 27-year-old rapper, whose stage name is Mo Chara, appeared in court charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in Britain, during a gig in the O2 Forum, Kentish Town last November.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: “This case is not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.”
He told the court Ó hAnnaidh is “well within his rights” to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.
It is alleged that Ó hAnnaidh displayed a Hezbollah flag and said “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at the gig.
Wearing a dark zip up jacket and trousers, he spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing.
The court heard that there is a dispute over jurisdiction relating to the date of the alleged offence in November 2024, and the charging in May 2025.
This issue was not dealt with today, and as a result, no plea was entered.
Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on 20 August, when legal argument will be dealt with.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day.
He received a round of applause outside the courtroom after the short hearing.
Ó hAnnaidh and his fellow bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J J Ó Dochartaigh left the court to loud cheers and chants of “Free Palestine” from hundreds of their supporters who remained outside during the hearing.
Before they emerged, supporters gave speeches about Palestine and Ireland.
The Belfast rap trio arrived at the court at around 10am to a scrum of supporters who had been protesting outside the building.
The crowd had surged around the entrance of the court as the band arrived, with some also entering the lobby.
Throughout the morning, supporters of the group held placards saying “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap” along with tricolours, Palestinian flags and Kneecap flags, with musicians also performing.
Cheers were heard after an ad van drove past displaying the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara”. Large billboards with the same message have also been erected in London.
Protests at Westminster Magistrates' Court as Kneecap's Mo Chara is due to appear in the next hour or so.
— Rónán Duffy (@ronanduffy_) June 18, 2025
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is charged under the UK's Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London gig.
A lot of cameras here and a small police presence. pic.twitter.com/NqyVAfZOux
The UK’s Stop The War Coalition was among those organising the protest, calling on people to “picket” the court building.
In the month since the charge was confirmed, Kneecap have stated consistently that Ó hAnnaidh would be strongly contesting it, recruiting a team of high-profile lawyers with experience of UK courts to administer the defence.
The legal team includes Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, who represented families of the Stardust fire and Brenda Campbell KC, who acted in the recent inquests in the Stardust case.
Also part of the legal team are Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and previously the Guildford Four, and Rosalind Comyn, who has represented Extinction Rebellion protesters in court.
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, who last year acted on behalf of South Africa in its genocide case against Israel, is also part of the legal team.
Kneecap have come to international prominence for their outspokenness on Israel’s ongoing bombing and siege of Gaza which has killed over 50,000 people and has brought the enclave to the brink of famine.
With reporting from Rónán Duffy and Press Association
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