Decision over Kneecap rapper terror charge adjourned

A decision over whether a member of rap group Kneecap will stand trial for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, at a London gig last year, has been adjourned.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and was met by a large crowd of supporters - many with Palestinian flags.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denies the charge and claims the case is "political" and intended to silence Kneecap.

He told the gathered crowd after the appearance, that the case was a "distraction" from what was happening in Gaza.

"We know this story is more about me and more than Kneecap – this is a story about Palestine and us as a distraction from the real story," he added.

The chief magistrate said he would make a decision on whether Mr Ó hAnnaidh would stand trial on 26 September.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh confirmed his name, date of birth and address to the court at the start of proceedings and sat beside an Irish language interpreter.

The court heard three hours of legal arguments around whether the charge was brought within the six month time limit.

His defence team are seeking to throw the case out, citing a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.

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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 21 May.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said permission was not required until the defendant's first court appearance.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said he would make a ruling on the matter in a number of weeks' time.

The case was adjourned and the defendant was released on continuing unconditional bail.

He has been on unconditional bail since his first court appearance in June.

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As the rapper arrived at court large crowd gathered outside, with supporters holding signs which read "Free Mo Chara" while others waved Palestine and Irish flags before the rapper's arrival.

Band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh) and the band's manager accompanied him.

On Tuesday evening, the Metropolitan Police said they "imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest" outside the court.

Any protest in support of Mr Ó hAnnaidh and "aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area" they said in a post on social media, referring to a map showing a designated area outside the court.

In a social media post, the band said the "police action is designed to try to portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome".

It thanked supporters and urged them to comply "with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful".