Kneecap member released on bail after 'terrorist organisation support' charge
Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh has been released on bail after being accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig.
A member of TRNSMT axed rap group Kneecap has been released on bail after facing criminal charges for allegedly supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation, a court has heard.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
The 27-year-old is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a 'wholly different thing', Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.
During the hearing, the allegations against O hAnnaidh were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: 'It's not about Mr O hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.
'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else.
'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'.
'Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.
'So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.'
The defendant, who was wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing.
O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
Upon arrival at the court this morning, alongside the other two members of the Belfast Irish-rap trio, he was greeted by hundreds of supporters.
Dozens of fans had surged around the entrance of the court as the band arrived, with some also entering the lobby before the hearing, trying to get close to the trio.
After the brief hearing concluded, the defendant exited the court building to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister.
As he left the court with the other Kneecap members, Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh, loud cheers could be heard as well as chants of 'Free Palestine' from hundreds of their supporters.
Outside court, following the hearing, O hAnnaidh's bandmate, Mr O Caireallain, led the huge crowds in chants of 'Free Palestine'.
Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: 'For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.
'If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September.
'But most importantly: free, free Palestine.'
Following the group's axe from Glasgow music festival TRNSMT over " safety concerns", Kneecap's backup show at the city's O2 Academy sold-out in less than 30 seconds.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said at the time: "Any decision on the line up at TRNSMT is for the organisers and there was no prior consultation with Police Scotland before acts were booked.
"Officers have highlighted the potential reaction of such a large audience to this band would require a significant policing operation in order to support the delivery of a safe event."
First Minister John Swinney backed calls for them to be axed from the line up, stating it would be "unacceptable" for the band to take to such high-profile stages.
The band released an eponymous film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender in 2024 - which is a fictionalised retelling of how the band came together and follows the Belfast group on their mission to save their mother tongue through music.
Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language.
Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
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