Kneecap's Mo Chara court LIVE: Musician appears in court over terror offence
In November last year, at a gig in London, he was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terror group Hezbollah. The group have continuously denied the allegations that Óg Ó hAnnaidh is facing.
Demonstrations to support the musician have been arranged outside of Westminster Magistrates, as well as in Dublin, Ireland. London's Metropolitan Police have since imposed conditions, limiting where demonstrations can take place outside of the court, stating that they need to "prevent serious disruption."
The rap trio have branded the move "a calculated political decision designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome." They added: "There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media."
They said in a statement: "We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful."
It was previously heard that Óg Ó hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, was described as a "wholly different thing".
Óg Ó hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge.
We will be bringing you live updates throughout the case.
08:51Daniel Bird
Metropolitan Police statement
The Met have confirmed that there is a Public Order Act in place today. In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, the force said: "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."
08:33Daniel Bird
Supporters arrive at London court
Fans of the band have already started arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court to show their support, with placards and some waving Palestinian flags.
One sign said: "Kneecap rap for what is right." While another read: "Hands off Mo Chara."
08:30Daniel Bird
Demonstrations to take place
Kneecap fans have been asked to support Óg Ó hAnnaidh outside of Westminster Magistrates Court, as well as outside Connolly Books in Temple Bar, Dublin.
08:29Daniel Bird
Kneecap's statement ahead of Óg Ó hAnnaidh's appearance in court
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday following a statement from the Met, who have imposed a Public Order Act, the band said: "We massively appreciate the support of what we know are the majority of the public, who can see this farce for what it is. It is distraction from war crimes that the British state support.
"In our view this police action is designed to try and portray support for kneecap as somehow troublesome. It is a calculated political decision the night before Mo Chara's court appearance.
"There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media. We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful.
"Free Palestine."
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The Herald Scotland
39 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
I spent a week watching daytime TV - here's my picks on what to watch
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Spectator
41 minutes ago
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Spectator
41 minutes ago
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