Kneecap's Mo Chara released on unconditional bail after appearing in court
A member of rap group Kneecap faces criminal charges for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation and not his support for the people of Palestine, a court heard.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the 27-year-old is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London is a 'wholly different thing'.
Summarising the allegations against Mr Ó hAnnaidh, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: 'It's not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.
'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else.
'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'.
'Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.
'So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.' Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing.
He was greeted by hundreds of supporters as he arrived at court on Wednesday morning alongside the other two members of the Belfast rap trio – Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh and his bandmates, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, left the court to loud cheers and chants of 'Free Palestine' from hundreds of their supporters who remained outside during the hearing.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh was wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh as he left the court.
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Kneecap greeted by hundreds at court as rap group member faces terrorism charge
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Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Kneecap case: ‘A woman pointed to a sniggering Móglaí Bap as the magistrate asked if anyone knew an Irish interpreter'
For supporters of Belfast rap trio Kneecap it was, as the handwritten sign slapped on the wall of Westminster Magistrates Court surmised, a 'grand day out for the parish'. Hundreds of the band's fans and a noisy legion of pro-Palestinian activists, many of them Irish, waved Tricolours and thronged the front of the court on Wednesday morning in advance of a hearing in the case of band member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. The regular court reporters said they had never witnessed a scene like it. 'It's never been this doolally, not even when they held the Julian Assange case here,' said one. Ó hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, was charged under UK antiterrorism legislation with showing support for a proscribed organisation. READ MORE It was alleged he draped himself in a Hizbullah flag at a London gig last November and shouted 'up Hamas, up Hizbullah', referring to the Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups respectively. Ó hAnnaidh did not enter a plea and was released on bail, as the case was adjourned in advance of a hearing on August 20th over the court's jurisdiction to hear the case. Meanwhile, the crowd outside the court spilt out on to Marylebone Road as musicians and supporters of the rapper set up a makeshift stage at the door for an impromptu gig in the sunshine. Strains of Aslan's Crazy World and the Waterboys' Fisherman's Blues rolled through the warm air in the streets of the fashionable west London district. Inside the court building, things were also hotting up. Harried court staff seemed stunned by the size of the crowd that had descended. Journalists jostled for the Willy Wonka golden tickets distributed for seats in the small press area of Court Number 1, where Ó hAnnaidh was due to appear before a magistrate. It was near bedlam. His case was listed for 10am but it was almost 11am before it got going as court staff wrangled the crowds. Most remained outside the courthouse. A long queue formed outside Court 1 – just 30 would be allowed into the public gallery as reporters wailed for more tickets. One elderly Irish woman wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh around her neck said she had left home at 3am to get to the airport to fly over. Film-maker Jim Sheridan was among those in the first-floor lobby seeking entry to the hearing. He told The Irish Times that he was a friend of Ó hAnnaidh – 'a lovely lad' – and he was there to defend freedom of speech. Sinn Féin Westminster MPs John Finucane and Paul Maskey also showed up. A rumour also went around that veteran musician Paul Weller was outside, but nobody outside the court had actually seen him. Ó hAnnaidh, dressed in black, and other Kneecap members showed up just after 10am. DJ Próvaí, real name JJ Ó Dochartaigh, had removed his trademark Tricolour balaclava for the occasion. Pro- Palestine chants echoed up the stairs from the crowd below. Ó hAnnaidh sat alone in the dock as the magistrate in the juryless court confirmed his name and address. His legal team, led by barrister Brenda Campbell, suggested to the magistrate that the charge on which Ó hAnnaidh had been brought before the court was a day beyond a six-month statute of limitations. If accepted this would have ended the case on the spot, the magistrate said. The prosecution, led by Michael Bisgrove, said they would contest that the charge was out of date and a hearing was fixed for August 20th on this issue. If after that the case still goes ahead, Ó hAnnaidh will enter a plea. If – and he has already indicated publicly that he will fight the charge – he pleads not guilty, then a trial will take place at a later date. Ó hAnnaidh's legal team indicated that the rapper, whose band performs partly in Irish, might need an Irish interpreter for the trial. The magistrate said the court had so far been unable to find one. 'If anyone knows of one….' he said, his voice trailing off. A woman in the public gallery could be heard laughing as she pointed at Ó hAnnaidh's bandmates. Kneecap rapper Móglaí Bap, real name Naoise Ó Cairealláin, put his head in his hands and sniggered. 'I think we will manage in English' for the August hearing of legal argument, said Campbell. The magistrate promised to have an Irish interpreter for later hearings and adjourned the case. There was more bedlam and a crush outside as Ó hAnnaidh and his bandmates emerged from the courthouse. Watching police stood back as red smoke flares were let off. After a few words reasserting support for Palestine, Ó hAnnaidh proceeded down the street. The crowd thinned and plush Marylebone started to get back to normal.
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Chaos outside court as Kneecap member arrives ahead of appearance on terror charge
Follow our live coverage in the blog below Police officers are seen among supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Credit: PA Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh who performs under the name Mo Chara of Irish group Kneecap appears outside Westminster Magistrates' Court. There are chaotic scenes outside a court today where a member of Kneecap is appearing charged with a terror offence. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, is due at Westminster Magistrates Court accused of displaying a flag in support of a proscribed organisation. Shortly after 10am, Mr Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh arrived to a scrum of hundreds of their supporters who cheered as their vehicle pulled up. Some in the crowd are holding Irish Tricolours and Palestinian flags. Sinn Fein MPs Paul Maskey and John Finucane are present. Mr Maskey has addressed the crowd. The 27-year-old from west Belfast has been charged over the alleged display of the flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, last November. The band have previously said they will 'vehemently defend ourselves'. Follow our live coverage below: Key updates Kneecap members leave court Kneecap member released on bail until next hearing Kneecap court proceedings underway Kneecap members arrive at court Police remove pro-Israel protestor Flavia Gouveia Protest concludes with music and clean up effort Following the protest, musicians performed and people chanted while organisers picked up litter and discarded placards. Speaking after the protest, Linsy Damashek, 22, said: 'It was incredible. It was very diverse; I loved hearing the people speak about their history. 'I'm Irish as well so it's a shared history of colonialism. That's why people are out here – we know what colonialism looks like and genocide.' Ms Damashek, who lives in south London, attended as a member of Jews Against Genocide UK. She added: 'From my Jewish side, we know what a genocide looks like and what's going on in Palestine is a genocide. 'Everything is interconnected.' Mark Edwards More images of Kneecap rapper leaving court Liam Og O hAnnaidh leaving court. PA wires Liam Og O hAnnaidh leaving court. PA wire Liam Og O hAnnaidh . PA wire Mark Edwards Kneecap members leave court The members of the band Kneecap have left Westminster Magistrates' Court. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh left the court to loud cheers and chants of "Free Palestine" from hundreds of their supporters who remained outside during the hearing. O hAnnaidh was wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh as he left the court. Before they emerged, supporters gave speeches about Palestine and Ireland. The area outside Westminster Magistrates Court was crammed with fans waving flags, playing drums and a smoke canister was set off. Supporters followed the band to a side road where a dark people carrier waited for them, chanting pro Palestine slogans as they were asked to clear the road by police. Kneecap members leaving court. PA wire Mark Edwards Kneecap member released on bail until next hearing Liam Og O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20 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. Hundreds of fans along with journalists crammed against the doors of the court building as they waited for the performer to leave. He went into a side room to speak with lawyers after the hearing. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh wait outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London . PA wire Mark Edwards Prosecutor comments on case against Kneecap rapper Kneecap rapper Liam O hAnnaidh, who uses the stage name Mo Chara, 27, from Belfast, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig on November 21 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town. Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "This case is not about Mr hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel." He told the court O hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians. It is alleged that O hAnnaidh, who appeared on the court list as Liam O'Hanna, 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. Claire Williamson Irish interpreter sought for proceedings Allison Morris reports: The judge has asked if Liam Og O hAnnaidh would prefer an Irish interpreter. One couldn't be found that was available for today - defence has said if one is available for the trial that would be helpful. Mark Edwards Footage of Kneecap members arriving at court Claire Williamson Kneecap court proceedings underway Allison Morris reports: The defendant has confirmed his name - in Irish - to the judge Adrian Rutherford Court delays amid chaos Allison Morris reports the court case has yet to start. "There are too many people and not enough spaces, along with thousands of supporters outside," she says. "Inside there are representatives of the Irish language lobby and politicians John Finucane and Paul Maskey." Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh (centre, in scarf) arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London . PA wire Kneecap band member, JJ Ó Dochartaigh, arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Getty Images Claire Williamson 'Fields of Athenry' playing outside court Bemused defendants who had shown up for their day in court tried to push through the crowds with an Irish band playing the Fields of Athenry Claire Williamson Kneecap in court Allison Morris reports there were chaotic scenes as Kneecap arrived in court with security struggling to contain the crowds gathered outside. Kneecap's Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap) arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London . PA wire Claire Williamson Speeches underway Sinn Fein MPs Paul Maskey and John Finucane are currently addressing the crowd Mark Edwards Kneecap members arrive at court The members of Kneecap have arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh arrived to a scrum of hundreds of their supporters who cheered as their vehicle pulled up. The band were wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts as they arrived at the central London court - Mo Chara being the stage name of Og O hAnnaidh. The members of Kneecap walked up the stairs of the court and looked over the balcony, smiling and giving a thumbs up to their hundreds of supporters gathered outside. A crowd of supporters had surged around the entrance of the court as the band arrived, with some also entering the lobby. Liam Og O hAnnaidh . Getty Images Claire Williamson Kneecap arrival expected imminently We are inside court awaiting proceedings to start - Kneecap expected to arrive any minute Mark Edwards Police remove pro-Israel protestor Police removed a pro-Israel protester who walked into the crowd outside court wearing an Israeli flag which provoked boos, swearing and shouts of "free Palestine". The crowd became animated and shouted "Israel is a terrorist state" and "take him out for his own safety" as he made gestures and argued with protesters. Police surrounded the man as the crowd moved towards him, with protesters cheering as he was removed. Police officers remove a counter-protesters from the middle of the supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh . PA wire Claire Williamson 'Chaotic scenes' Allison Morris reports: There are chaotic scenes at Westminster court as police try and keep order in a crowd that's grown to several thousands. They are chanting 'Free Free Mo Chara' Claire Williamson Allison Morris in London Crime Correspondent Allison Morris is in London for the Belfast Telegraph and will be bringing us live coverage as the day's proceedings unfold. There is a large media presence currently gathered for the case. Mark Edwards Thousands of supporters now outside court Kneecap reporter outside court . PA wire Mark Edwards Kneecap 'on the right side of history', claims Sinn Fein MP Sinn Féin MPs Paul Maskey and John Finucane will this morning address a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said: 'While Benjamin Netanyahu, his rogue regime, and an out-of-control military continue to violate international law and commit war crimes, it is Kneecap — not the war criminals — who are being dragged before the courts. 'This is the same British justice system that stays silent on the British government's complicity in Israel's brutal and relentless assault on the defenceless people of Gaza. 'Today, I'll be speaking out against these glaring double standards and standing in solidarity with Liam Óg. 'Kneecap's courage in calling out Israel's genocide in Palestine, despite the full weight of the western establishment against them, deserves recognition and support. They are on the right side of history.' Mark Edwards Supporters now chanting outside court Protesters of all ages, both individuals and groups, gathered outside the court building before Liam Og O hAnnaidh's hearing. Many carried placards of support as well as Palestinian and Irish flags and set up banners on the railings positioned by the court. Groups including Love Music Hate Racism set up tables distributing placards, stickers, posters and T-shirts. Charles Parker, 35, said protesting was important to him because he believed in "freedom of speech". The composite engineer from Northamptonshire said: "I believe in freedom for Palestine. "I come from an Irish Republican background and Palestine helped us in the 1990s. "We stand by those who stand by us. "I have been a fan of Kneecap since I saw them in Belfast about five years ago. "I'm open to whatever may happen. If the Metropolitan Police do anything, you've got to be ready for anything." Supporters outside the court in London . PA wire Load more Tickaroo Live Blog Software Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh who performs under the name Mo Chara of Irish group Kneecap appears outside Westminster Magistrates' Court. News in 90 Seconds - June 18th
Sunday World
3 hours ago
- Sunday World
Kneecap star released on bail until next hearing as fans applaud outside courtroom
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with a terrorism offence People with placards in support of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the 27-year-old is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London is a 'wholly different thing'. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day. Summarising the allegations against Ó hAnnaidh, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: 'It's not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. 'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. 'So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.' Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. He was greeted by hundreds of supporters as he arrived at court on Wednesday morning alongside the other two members of the Belfast rap trio – Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Credit: PA wire News in 90 Seconds - June 18th He received a round of applause outside the courtroom after the short hearing. Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh arrived to a scrum of hundreds of their supporters who cheered as their vehicle pulled up. The band were wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts as they arrived at the central London court - Mo Chara being the stage name of Ó hAnnaidh. The members of Kneecap walked up the stairs of the court and looked over the balcony, smiling and giving a thumbs up to their hundreds of supporters gathered outside. A crowd of supporters had surged around the entrance of the court as the band arrived, with some also entering the lobby. A handful of Kneecap fans gathered outside court on Wednesday morning with a mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags. A microphone stand was being set up behind metal barriers that had been erected to create an area for fans. Police removed a pro-Israel protester who walked into the crowd outside court wearing an Israeli flag which provoked boos, swearing and shouts of 'free Palestine'. The crowd became animated and shouted 'Israel is a terrorist state' and 'take him out for his own safety' as he made gestures and argued with protesters. Police surrounded the man as the crowd moved towards him, with protesters cheering as he was removed. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court (Jordan Pettitt/PA) The charge Ó hAnnaidh faces alleges he displayed a flag in a public place, 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation' – namely Hezbollah. Austrian Alexandra Kennedy, who had travelled from her home country to show support, said: 'I think that Kneecap are important to so many people that if Liam Og O hAnnaidh gets a heavy sentence, then maybe people will lose something, they need the connection to Kneecap. 'They trigger good and they trigger strong feelings.' She said many of Kneecap's fans seek solace in their music while suffering mental health issues. Ms Kennedy said the rap group should 'be aware of the social responsibility they have. It's not only music, it's much more than this'. The Irish rap group kneecap has said it has 'plastered' London with messages of support for one of its members who is due to appear in court accused of a terrorism offence. Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh is due in court on Wednesday (PA) Charles Parker, 35, said protesting was important to him because he believed in 'freedom of speech'. The composite engineer from Northamptonshire said: 'I believe in freedom for Palestine. 'I come from an Irish Republican background and Palestine helped us in the 1990s. 'We stand by those who stand by us. 'I have been a fan of Kneecap since I saw them in Belfast about five years ago. 'I'm open to whatever may happen. If the Metropolitan Police do anything, you've got to be ready for anything.' Copywriter Victoria Ashworth and her daughter Lily travelled from their home in Brighton to attend the protest before the court hearing for Liam Og O hAnnaidh. Ms Ashworth, 53, said: 'I just feel like the charges are utterly ridiculous. I believe in freedom of speech. 'We want to be part of this to be on the right side of history. 'We have been fans of the music for quite a while.' Lily, 20, a university student, added: 'They're allowed to have their own voice and shutting them down doesn't seem fair.' She said she heard about the protest on social media and from various fan groups. Kneecap described the prosecution as a 'witch hunt' in a post on X on Tuesday evening. The post including a short video which appeared to show a billboard that had been displayed in London with the words 'more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara'. The Metropolitan Police said the force had charged Ó hAnnaidh, who appears on the court list as Liam O'Hanna, after initially being made aware of a video from the gig at the O2 Forum which had been posted online. In a separate event shortly after the terrorism charge, Ó hAnnaidh could be seen in social media videos entering the stage with tape covering his mouth. The Met previously said the Belfast rap trio were under investigation after clips posted online appeared to show the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Kneecap said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK.
