Kneecap rapper appears in court on terror charge

A member of rap group Kneecap is appearing in court in London for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a London gig last year.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was met by a large crowd of supporters – many with Palestinian flags – as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denies the charge and claims the case is “political” and intended to silence Kneecap.

It was brought after the Metropolitan Police studied video footage.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been on unconditional bail since his first court appearance in June.

A large crowd has gathered outside court, with supporters holding signs which read “Free Mo Chara” while others waved Palestine and Irish flags before the rapper’s arrival.

Band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh). and the band’s manager accompanied him.

On Tuesday evening, the Metropolitan Police said they “imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest” outside the court.

Any protest in support of Mr Ó hAnnaidh and “aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area” they said in a post on social media.

In a social media post, the band said the “police action is designed to try to portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome”.

It thanked supporters and urged them to comply “with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful”.