Protests outside court as rapper appears on terror charge

Supporters of Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap have gathered outside a court in London where one of the rappers is appearing on a terror charge.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, is accused of allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the name Mo Chara, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accompanied by band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh).

In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”

The band arrived at court on Wednesday wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.

Fans outside the court have placards saying “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap”.

Large green flags saying “Free Speech, Free Palestine” are also on display.

A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after a van drove past displaying the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara”.

Kneecap said it had “plastered” London with messages of support for its band member.

The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.

In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.

In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.