Glasgow musician hails 'peaceful' Kneecap protest as rapper appears in court

Daily Record

5 hours ago

Ruairi Brannigan showed support for Liam O'Hanna, who goes by the stage name Mo Chana, at London's Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A Glasgow musician hailed Wednesday's Kneecap court protests as "one of the most peaceful protests I have been to" - while also performing with his bandmates and giving a speech to the crowds.
Ruairi Brannigan, 28, left his home in the city to show support for rapper Liam O'Hanna, who goes by the stage name Mo Chana, at London's Westminster Magistrates Court.
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O'Hanna, who is also known as Liam Og O Hannaidh, appeared in court charged with a terrorism offence over an incident at a gig on November 21 last year.
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"I think this is the ideal protest: no violence, no bigotry and an expression of peace. The fact it's on terrorism charges is ridiculous.
"It is politically motivated policing and a targeted campaign by the British Government against Kneecap."
O'Hanna and bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters as they arrived in "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts earlier today.
Dozens surged around the entrance of the court building as they made their way inside, with some also entering the lobby before the hearing, trying to get close to the Belfast trio.
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O'Hannah was charged last month after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
The 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".
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After the brief hearing concluded, the defendant exited the court building to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister.
During the hearing, the allegations against him were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: "It's not about Mr O 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.
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"In November of last year, he 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."
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Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. Hundreds of fans, along with journalists, crammed against the doors of the court building as they waited for the performer to leave.
Outside court following the hearing, O Caireallain, led the huge crowds in chants of "Free Palestine". Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.
"If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine."
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O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
The Norther Irish rap trio were due to perform at this summer's TRNSMT Festival, in Glasgow, but their performance was axed over police fears over safety.
Police Scotland previously said allowing them to perform at Glasgow Green on July 11 would require "a significant policing operation".
The Belfast trio were also criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to show a band member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP."