Kneecap rapper mobbed by supporters as he appears in court over ‘Hezbollah flag' terror charge
RAPPER IN DOCK Kneecap rapper mobbed by supporters as he appears in court over 'Hezbollah flag' terror charge
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A KNEECAP rapper was mobbed by supporters as he appeared in court charged with a terror offence.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of supporting a proscribed terror organisation.
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Liam Og O hAnnaidh was pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court today
Credit: Reuters
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A crowd of supporters had gathered outside the court
Credit: PA
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O hAnnaidh was swamped as he went outside
Credit: PA
The 27-year-old allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag at a gig in London.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address when appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.
The court heard three hours of legal arguments, with the performer listening to proceedings through an Irish language interpreter.
O hAnnaidh was supported by his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh.
He was released on conditional bail until September 26.
Crowds of supporters had gathered outside to show their support for the performer.
Fans held signs which read "Free Mo Chara" while others waved Palestine and Irish flags.
O hAnnaidh is accused of displaying the flag during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London, in November.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove previously told the court: "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 showing that, in November of last year, Mr O 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."
In a statement following his charge, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."
O hAnnaidh and fellow band members Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were greeted by loud cheers and chants of "Free Palestine" at a previous court appearance.
The Metropolitan Police imposed conditions limiting where a planned demonstration outside the court could take place today.
In response, the rap group described this move as a "calculated political decision" that was "designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome".
Kneecap have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise in the past.
The group, which was formed in 2017, displayed messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella in April.
A criminal probe was also launched into comments made my the group during their performance at Glastonbury in June.
The investigation was later dropped after the Crown Prosecution Service chose to take no further action.
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The mob gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court
Credit: PA
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A woman joined the throng of Kneecap fans
Credit: PA
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