Kneecap's Mo Chara arrives at London court after MP addresses crowd
Follow our blog below for live updates from Westminster Magistrates Court
Kneecap star Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court for to make his second appearance this morning.
The west Belfast native, who makes up one third of the Irish language rap group Kneecap, is accused of displaying a flag in support of a proscribed organisation.
The 27-year-old was charged in May, 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.
Ó hAnnaidh – known by his stage name, Mo Chara, which means my friend in Irish – has denied any wrongdoing.
He arrived at court this morning shortly after North Belfast MP John Finucane addressed a growing crowd saying: 'We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month. We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara. Tiochfaidh ar lá.'
Chaotic scenes as Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh arrives at court
After being released on unconditional bail in June at the court, he is set to return on Wednesday morning at around 10am, alongside his band members – JJ Ó Dochartaigh (know as DJ Próvaí) and Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Moghlaí Bap) –.and his legal defence team, including Gareth Peirce, Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh and Darragh Mackin.
Follow along this morning on our live blog:
8 minutes ago
Liam Og O hAnnaidh swamped by photographers as he arrives at court
It took the 27-year-old more than a minute to enter Westminster Magistrates' Court as security officers attempted to usher him through the front entrance.
Hundreds of supporters greeted the Kneecap rapper with cheers as he made his way from a silver people-carrier to the building.
Fellow bandmembers Naoise Ó Caireallain, and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh have also arrived at the courthouse.
20 minutes ago
Mo Chara arrives at court
This was the scene as Mo Chara arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court shortly after 9.30am. The crowd chanted 'Free Mo Chara', matching signs which were held aloft alongside Irish and Palestinian flags.
Sinn Fein MP among protesters outside court
John Finucane is addressing activists ahead of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's court appearance. The North Belfast representative has joined pro-Palestine campaigners outside the courthouse.
"We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month," he said. "We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara, tiochfaidh ar lá"
39 minutes ago
'I love their music and the fact that they want to free Palestine'
Arul Joseph from London believes Kneecap are massively popular outside of Ireland and has been following them for a year.
49 minutes ago
Rush hour commuters express support for Kneecap member facing terror charge
Drivers passing a protest zone outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London have been honking their horns in support of activists.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear before a judge this morning accused of supporting the proscribed terror group Hezbollah.
Our reporter Niamh Campbell is there.
Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X
Westminster Magistrates is packed - people keep beeping their horns as they drive past #kneecap #mochara @BelTel pic.twitter.com/hEPmLJCXlB— Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025
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54 minutes ago
'I'm pro Kneecap'
Niamh Campbell talks to Louise Kelleher, who is originally from Co Cork but lives in London, about why she is supporting Mo Chara today.
Today 07:58 AM
Crowd grows ahead of Kneecap member's court appearance
Our reporter Niamh Campbell is outside court:
"Protesters have been gathering outside Westminster Magistrates Court since 8am this morning.
"Some of them are waving Palestine flags with one activist from NI wearing a massive papier-mâché head imitating DJ Provaí.
"A small stage has been set up in a restriction zone with hundreds of cars driving past during rush hour beeping their horns in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh.
"One woman is holding a sign with a message to the Prime Minister.
"It reads: "Catch yourself on Keir". "
Today 07:52 AM
'I felt I had to be here to support Kneecap and Mo Chara'
Niamh Campbell talks to a supporter from Co Tyrone outside the court, who is wearing a massive paper maché head of Kneecap member DJ Provaí
Today 07:39 AM
Significant police presence outside Westminster Magistrates' Court
The Met Police introduced a restriction zone for protesters who have already started gathering outside the courthouse.
Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X
Plenty of Met Police ready to go ahead of Mo Chara appearing in court today... @BelTel pic.twitter.com/NXhYieHSWe— Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025
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Today 07:20 AM
Catch up podcast: The first court appearance
Chaos in London as Kneecap's Mo Chara appears in court over terror charge
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Today 07:12 AM
What's been said
During a recent Féile an Phobail event earlier this month, Kneecap's band manager, Dublin native Daniel Lambert, said that Óg hAnnaidh 'knows that he's right'.
Speaking at the 'West Belfast Talks Back' initiative, he stated: 'I don't want to speak for Liam Óg, but I think there's a great sense of conviction that comes when you know that you're right... and you haven't done anything wrong.
'You walk into any room, and there's a group of people against you, but you're clear on what you've done and that you've done the right thing, and that kind of counts for a lot. That's the way he kind of feels about it.'
Today 07:12 AM
What's happening today?
Legal argument is set to be dealt with in the court today.
London's Metropolitan Police Service have also imposed conditions on planned protests due to take place today, as Ó hAnnaidh arrives.
The Met Police confirmed it will enforce strict conditions to 'prevent serious disruption' outside the courthouse.
Metropolitan Police on Twitter / X
We've imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow.Protest in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area pic.twitter.com/A4cPFGe7xi— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 19, 2025
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Today 07:10 AM
What happened during Mo Chara's last court appearance?
As Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh arrived wearing a keffiyeh (a traditionally Palestinian scarf), thousands of supporters gathered outside the court, with many holding signs stating 'Free Mo Chara' and 'Free Palestine'.
In that first sitting, Ó hAnnaidh confirmed his name to the judge in Irish, and an interpreter has been sought for today's proceedings, with the judge stating that one had not been available for June's court session.
It is not yet known whether an Irish interpreter has been found for today's hearing.
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O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was once again greeted by hundreds of fans as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday for a three-hour hearing. Prosecutors allege the 27-year-old, who followed some of the proceedings through an Irish interpreter, displayed a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year. During Wednesday's hearing, his defence team argued the case should be thrown out, citing a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought. Brenda Campbell KC told the court the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on May 21. She said consent was given the following day, but that meant the charge falls outside of the six-month time frame in which criminal charges against a defendant can be brought. 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Mr O Caireallain and Mr O Dochartaigh sat at the back of the courtroom with three others as O hAnnaidh confirmed his name, date of birth and address to the court at the start of the hearing. In response to the Met imposing conditions on the protest, Kneecap described the move as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome'. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum was a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh, of Belfast, is yet to enter a plea to the charge and is on unconditional bail. Here's how the hearing played out on our live blog: Yesterday 07:49 PM Podcast Kneecap's Mo Chara's terror charge case judgement delayed over technical legal argument The judge hearing Kneecap member Mo Chara's terror charge case needs more time to think about what he's going to do next. Yesterday 06:06 PM Colour from today's hearing Some police officers said the only other case they had worked on that attracted a similar level of attention was Tommy Robinson's trial. Inside Kneecap star's chaotic return to court: An overflowing gallery and a festival atmosphere As Kneecap star Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh returned to Westminster Magistrates Court, attention once again was as much on the scenes outside as the actual proceedings inside the courtroom. Yesterday 04:59 PM Met Police confirm arrest of man over support for Palestine Action outside court A man was detained by police outside the court building because of a placard he was holding following the hearing. The Met said the suspect remains in custody on suspicion of supporting proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action. Surrounded by officers, he told reporters his hand-made sign made no reference to any proscribed organisations. In a statement a Met Police spokesperson said: 'A man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed terrorist group, Palestine Action, in Marylebone Road, NW1 this morning.' Yesterday 04:34 PM Hundreds attend solidarity gig in Dublin for Kneecap rapper Hundreds attend solidarity gig in Dublin for Kneecap rapper Hundreds of people have attended a music session in Dublin city in solidarity with Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh after he appeared in court on Wednesday. Yesterday 02:03 PM 'Free Mo Chara': Sinn Fein MP addressing Kneecap supporters outside court John Finucane said "we will be here next month" as he addressed "inspiring" activists outside Westminster Magistrates' Court. The North Belfast representative told protesters they were "inspiring" as he joined them in "solidarity" with Liam O hAnnaidh. The 27-year-old defendant, who is accused of supporting a proscribed terror group, was released on unconditional bail before the case resumes on September 26. "The British establishment will not silence the Irish people," Mr Finucane posted on X alongside a Palestine flag. John Finucane MP on Twitter / X Those who are starving children & committing genocide should be before the courts, not Mo Chara of Féin joined with crowds at the courts in solidarity with Liam Óg Ó British establishment will not silence the Irish people. Saoirse don Phalaistín!🇵🇸 John Finucane MP (@johnfinucane) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 12:40 PM 'Free Palestine and Tiocfaidh ár lá': Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh thanks supporters outside court The Kneecap rapper addressed activists after he was released on unconditional bail following a second appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X Mo Chara, Moglaí Bap, and Kneecap's manager Dan Lambert address the crowd after leaving court "Keep talking about Palestine, this is just a distraction" Dan asks for everyone support come 26 Sep when they believe their jurisdiction point "will stand" @BelTel Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 12:28 PM Loud cheers as Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh leaves court The 27-year-old defendant, who is accused of supporting a proscribed terror group, was cheered as he left Westminster Magistrates' Court. The rapper was released on unconditional bail after the judgment was reserved in the case. Activists waved Palestine flags and Irish tricolours as he made his way out of the courthouse. Yesterday 11:54 AM Judgment reserved after several hours of legal argument over technical 'blunder' The judge says he is 'conscious and anxious' that a 'speedy resolution' will be wanted, and not just for defendant 'I will reserve my judgment for a couple of weeks,' he said. The next hearing is to be held on Friday, September 26 at 10am. Yesterday 11:44 AM Irish interpreters appointed to court as Kneecap member faces terror charge Liam O hAnnaidh requested an Irish language interpreter for today's proceedings at his first appearance back in June. It was among the first issues to be dealt with this morning. The defendant was allowed to exit the dock to sit beside his interpreter (a blonde-haired woman) in the courtroom. The interpreter has been formally permitted by the judge. Conradh na Gaeilge ⭕️ on Twitter / X Cás i gcoinne Liam Óig tosaithe anseo i Londain & ateangaire ceadaithe ag an Bhreitheamh. Case against Liam Óg underway here in Westminster Magistrate's Court. An interpreter has been formally appointed into the proceedings by the judge. Seasaimid le Liam Óg. Conradh na Gaeilge ⭕️ (@CnaG) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 11:36 AM Niamh Campbell breaks down Mo Chara's legal argument over 'blunder' Barrister Brenda Campbell KC says that 'in context of the Terrorism Act… proceedings were instituted when the written charge and requisition was issued'. This means the criminal case officially began (was 'instituted') at the moment the written charge and court summons (called a 'requisition') was issued. So under the Terrorism Act, the case isn't considered to have started when the police first arrested or questioned someone; it starts legally when the formal paperwork (the written charge and requisition to attend court) is issued. The law gives prosecutors six months from the date of the alleged offence (or sometimes from when it came to light) to start proceedings. O hAnnaidh's lawyers are arguing that the first notice on May 21 didn't count, because the Attorney General hadn't yet given the required permission for the prosecution. If that's true, then the case only really 'started' on May 22 — which they say was one day too late, outside the six-month time limit. The Crown Prosecution Service disagrees, saying either the Attorney General's consent wasn't legally required, so May 21 counts, or that even if it was, the re-issued charge on May 22 is still valid. So the whole dispute boils down to: Did the prosecution start in time, or was it a day too late and therefore invalid? Prosecutors oppose defence application to have case thrown out over 'technical blunder'. Liam O hAnnaidh's lawyers launched an application for the charge to be dismissed because of the way it was first brought. They argue the consent of the Attorney General a day after the Kneecap member was charged with supporting a proscribed terror group which was outside the six month deadline. Brenda Campbell KC leads the defence. She says the Crown Prosecution Service 'now seeks to rely on a written 'charge' issued by the Metropolitan Police on the previous day, May 21 (2025). Court documents show that the Metropolitan Police issued a 'notice of criminal charge' to O hAnnaidh on May 21, accusing him of supporting a banned terrorist group in November 2024. The notice ordered him to appear in court at 10am on June 18. The following evening, however, a CPS terrorism prosecutor informed O hAnnaidh's solicitor by email that the charge was being reissued. A new notice, dated May 22, was attached. But Michael Bisgrove, for the CPS, opposes the application. 'The Attorney General consent is not required until a court appearance at which the defendant engages with a charge', he said Yesterday 10:42 AM Official Attorney General consent to terror charge came too late, defence claims Liam O hAnnaidh's legal team has told Westminster Magistrates' Court that Attorney General Richard Hermer did not officially grant approval when police charged the 27-year-old with a terrorism-related offence on May 21. They said consent was given the following day and are arguing that this was too late as it falls outside a six-month deadline. However, the Crown Prosecution Service is contesting that the Attorney General's approval is not necessary in order to initiate such a charge. Yesterday 10:18 AM Terror charge 'outside time limit', Kneecap member's defence team tells court Liam Ó hAnnaidh's legal team are arguing that the charge of supporting a proscribed terror group was brought too late and should be thrown out. The defendant was charged on May 22 this year – a day after the six-month limit for such charges. Prosecutors claim the charge was brought on May 21, exactly within the time limit. Judge Paul Goldspring is expected to issue a ruling later today. Yesterday 09:58 AM Lots of signage outside Westminster Magistrates' Court Hundreds of supporters greeted Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh with loud cheers as he exited a silver people-carrier and made his way inside the courthouse this morning. Fans held placards reading 'Free Mo Chara' while others waved Palestine and Irish flags. Chants of 'free, free, Mo Chara' echoed out of a megaphone which was repeated by the crowd. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. But prosecutors said the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, last November was a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge of supporting a proscribed terror organisation. Our reporter Niamh Campbell is in London for today's proceedings. Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X Still reporting on all the signage (and there's a lot of it) outside Westminster Magistrates Court today for #mochara #kneecap Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 09:27 AM Kneecap shares image of road signs outside Westminster Magistrates' Court The band shared an image of road signs which read "ethnic cleansing in Palestine" shortly before they arrived at the courthouse. The social media post applauds activists. It comes after the rappers urged protesters to comply with the law. KNEECAP on Twitter / X To whoever did this 👏👏👏👏👏 KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 09:21 AM Gerry Carroll addresses crowds outside court MLA Gerry Carroll addresses the crowds outside the courthouse, condemning "racist protests" in Northern Ireland and criticising the police for going after Kneecap and pro-Palestine groups instead of "racist bigots". Yesterday 09:15 AM Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh receives another rockstar welcome at court Following similar scenes at his previous court appearance in June, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh arrived at court this morning and was once again supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh. The Met Police imposed restrictions on protesters to avoid chaos outside the court. Kneecap described the strict conditions on protesters as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome'. However the band had appealed to supporters "to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful'. Niamh Campbell on Twitter / X The other side you don't see - the media side! #mochara #london Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Yesterday 08:53 AM Liam Og O hAnnaidh swamped by photographers as he arrives at court alongside fellow band member It took the 27-year-old more than a minute to enter Westminster Magistrates' Court as security officers attempted to usher him through the front entrance. Hundreds of supporters greeted the Kneecap rapper with cheers as he made his way from a silver people-carrier to the building, alongside fellow band member Naoise Ó Caireallain (Móglaí Bap). The third member of the Kneecap trio, J.J. Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí) has also arrived at the courthouse. Yesterday 08:41 AM Mo Chara arrives at court This was the scene as Mo Chara arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court shortly after 9.30am. The crowd chanted 'Free Mo Chara', matching signs which were held aloft alongside Irish and Palestinian flags. Yesterday 08:28 AM Sinn Fein MP among protesters outside court John Finucane is addressing activists ahead of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's court appearance. The North Belfast representative has joined pro-Palestine campaigners outside the courthouse. "We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month," he said. "We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara, tiochfaidh ar lá"
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6 hours ago
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