10 hours ago
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Kneecap supporters court protest as rapper Mo Chara appears on terrorism charge
Liam O'Hanna is also known as Mo Chara and Liam Og O Hannaidh.
Liam Ó hAnnaidh: Kneecap member arrives at court
Kneecap supporters have been protesting outside court this morning, ahead of rapper Liam O'Hanna appearing in the dock to face a terrorism charge.
Protesters began to chant "free Palestine" outside court as Kneecap's Naoise O Caireallain watched on from inside. As the huge crowd gathered, O Caireallain was seen punching his fist in the air in solidarity.
Cops were forced to remove counter-protesters who has appeared among Kneecap supporters outsite London's Westminster Magistrates Court.
Pandemonium reigned as police officers were photographed ordering some away from the official pro-Mo Chara protest, which took place before the hearing The Mirror reports.
O'Hanna, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara but is also known as Liam Og O Hannaidh, is appearing in court over an incident on November 21 last year.
Mo Chara was swamped by protesters as he arrived to face his terrorism charge. Following him soon after and waving to the crowd was bandmate Naoise O Caireallain.
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O Caireallain, also known as Moglai Bap, appeared cheerful as he greeted fans and made his way through the throng of fans towards the courthouse.
The 27-year-old's appearance comes after the group were axed from their planned slot at this summer's TRNSMT Festival, in Glasgow, over police fears over safety.
He is appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court today charged after displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.
In a statement earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police said the flag was displayed "in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation".
Rap trio Kneecap shared a joint statement days later denying the offence, claiming it was " political policing" and saying they will "vehemently defend" themselves.
The prosecution told the court the case is not about O'Hanna's support for Palestine or criticism of Israel and he has the right to voice his opinions and solidarity.
They added it deals with a video recording from last year when he wore and displayed a flag from the terrorist organisation Hezbollah.
Wearing a black tracksuit, he walked into the dock at 10.49am with his hands in his pockets before sitting down. The rest of the band and their manager walked into court behind him before entering the public gallery.
The gallery was packed with fans, including some who had flown in from around Europe, including Austria and Ireland. He gave his name as Liam O'Hanna and told the court his home address.
Paul Weller was spotted outside court to support Mo Chara this morning. The pop legend, 67, was pictured wearing a pair of shades as he stood with protesters and posed for a selfie with a fan.
Police Scotland previously said allowing the Northern Irish trio 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."
