Kneecap rapper bailed over terror charge

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EPA A close-up of a man in the midst of a crowd. He is wearing sunglasses and a black and white keffiyeh headdress around his neck like a scarf. There is a camera lens being held close to his face as a photographer takes a photo EPA

Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, arriving at Westminster court in central London

A Kneecap rapper has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court on a terror charge.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, is accused of 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).

Supporters of the Irish language hip-hop group offered a round of applause outside a court in London on Wednesday, after the appearance.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh will appear at court for the next hearing on 20 August.

The Chief Magistrate told him he must attend court on that day.

In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."

The court room was full and court staff had to bring in more seats for journalists.

Inside the court were representatives of the Irish language lobby and politicians John Finucane and Paul Maskey.

In court, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "This case is not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh, support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel."

He told the court Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.

Defence lawyer Brenda Campbell KC said: "This is a simple issue. This court has no jurisdiction."

TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

One of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh

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

Musicians, supporters, and activists crowded outside court.

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".

The slogan is a spin on a well-known discriminatory phrase found outside some UK boarding houses from the 1950s.

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

PA Media Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) outside court, wearing a black jacket and sunglasses. He is surrounded by crowds of people. PA Media

Fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court to support Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara)

EPA A crowd of people holding placards saying 'Defend Kneecap', and holding Palestinian flags and Irish flags outside the court in London EPA

A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday

Who are Kneecap?

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The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí

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.

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