In pics: Kneecap fans gather outside court in support of Mo Chara
A handful of Kneecap fans gathered outside court on Wednesday morning with a mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags.
27-year-old Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who is known as Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday following the alleged incident during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London.
The charge Og O hAnnaidh faces alleges he displayed a flag in a public place, 'in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation' – namely, Hezbollah. Kneecap Pic: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images
A microphone stand was being set up behind metal barriers that had been erected to create an area for fans. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Pic: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA Images
Austrian Alexandra Kennedy, who had travelled from her home country to show support, said: 'I think that Kneecap are important to so many people that if Liam Og O hAnnaidh gets a heavy sentence, then maybe people will lose something, they need the connection to Kneecap. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Pic: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA Images
'They trigger good and they trigger strong feelings.' Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Pic: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA Images
She said many of Kneecap's fans seek solace in their music while suffering mental health issues. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Pic: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA Images
Ms Kennedy said the rap group should 'be aware of the social responsibility they have. It's not only music, it's much more than this'. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Pic: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA Images
Fans could be seen with placards saying Free Mo Chara, referring to the rapper's stage name, and Defend Kneecap.
A large green flag saying Free Speech, Free Palestine was also on display.
The small crowd cheered as an ad van emblazoned with the support slogan used for Mo Chara – More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara – drove past the court.
Kneecap described the prosecution as a 'witch hunt' in a post on X on Tuesday evening.
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