Decision delayed in London flag display charge against Kneecap rapper
Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The decision about a trial for a member of the rap group Kneecap accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah in London last year has been postponed.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court Wednesday, BBC reported. He was met by a large crowd of supporters, many with Palestinian flags.
Ó hAnnaidh, 27, performs under the stage name Mo Chara. The Belfast musician denies the charge and said the case is "political." He told a crowd of supporters after his court appearance that the case was a distraction from what is happening in Gaza.
Prosecutors allege Ó hAnnaidh displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, last November. Ó hAnnaidh has not entered a plea to the charge and is on unconditional bail.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring will rule Sept. 26 on whether he has jurisdiction to try the case.
In court, Ó hAnnaidh sat beside an Irish language interpreter. The court heard three hours of arguments about whether the charge was brought within the six-month time limit.
His defense team is seeking to get the case thrown out, citing a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.
Metropolitan police also arrested a man outside the court on suspicion of supporting the Palestine Action group.
"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," a spokesperson for the police said.
On July 24, Kneecap was banned by the Hungarian government "for anti-Semitism and glorifying terrorism" for their support of Palestine and criticism of Israel.
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