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Kneecap rapper bailed over terror charge as protesters gather outside court

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Jun 18, 2025 - 11:15

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Kneecap rapper bailed over terror charge

8 minutes agoKelly BonnerBBC News NI

Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, leaving Westminster court in central London

A Kneecap rapper has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court on a terror charge.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, is accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the name Mo Chara,

Supporters of the Irish language hip-hop group offered a round of applause outside a court in London on Wednesday, after the appearance.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh will appear at court for the next hearing on 20 August.

The Chief Magistrate told him he must attend court on that day.

The judge asked whether or not Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh needed an Irish interpreter to be present in court.

The judge said: "We were going to have one today, but I will be blunt. We couldn't find one."

In court, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "This case is not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh, support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel."

He told the court Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.

Defence lawyer Brenda Campbell KC said: "This is a simple issue. This court has no jurisdiction."

The court room was full and court staff had to bring in more seats for journalists.

Inside the court were representatives of the Irish language lobby and politicians John Finucane and Paul Maskey.

One of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh

In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."

The band arrived at court on Wednesday wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts.

Musicians, supporters, and activists crowded outside court.

Large green flags saying "Free Speech, Free Palestine" are also on display.

A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after a van drove past displaying the slogan "More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara".

The slogan is a spin on a well-known discriminatory phrase found outside some UK boarding houses from the 1950s.

Kneecap said it had "plastered" London with messages of support for its band member.

Fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court to support Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara)

A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday

Who are Kneecap?

Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.

The group was formed in 2017 by three musicians who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.

Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.

The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí

The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.

In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.

In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.