Latest news with #ÓhAnnaidh
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kneecap's Mo Chara Granted Unconditional Bail at First Hearing on Terror Charge
Kneecap's Mo Chara was released on unconditional bail at his first court appearance in London on terror charges tied to an incident where he allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag at a concert. The preliminary hearing at the Westminster Magistrates' Court Wednesday June 18 was largely procedural. The Belfast rapper, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, spoke only to confirm his name, and the judge scheduled his next court date for Aug. 20. If convicted, Ó hAnnaidh could face up to six months in prison, and a fine. More from Rolling Stone Wife of Weezer Bassist Appears in Court, Wins Delay in LAPD Shooting Case Tyler Perry Sued for Alleged Sexual Assault, Battery by 'The Oval' Actor Matthew Perry's Ketamine Death: Second Doctor Agrees to Plead Guilty The terror charge is based on footage from a November 2024 concert in London, where Ó hAnnaidh allegedly displayed the Hezbollah flag and yelled, 'Up, Hamas, up Hezbollah,' as well as, 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory.' Both Hamas and Hezbollah are banned in the U.K., and it is a crime to publicly support them. Ó hAnnaidh and Kneecap have repeatedly denied the allegations, stating previously that they 'do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah.' They've claimed footage of the November 2024 concert was 'deliberately taken out of all context,' and suggested the terror charge is a reprisal for their outspoken support for Palestine, their calls for an end to the war in Gaza, and their criticism of the U.K. and U.S. governments for continuing to fund and supply arms to Israel. At Wednesday's hearing, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove insisted the case was not about Ó hAnnaidh's support for Palestine or criticism of Israel, adding that he is 'well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else' (via The Associated Press). Rather, Bisgrove said the case is centered around the video of Ó hAnnaidh at the November 2024 concert. Ó hAnnaidh's lawyer, Brenda Campbell, countered that authorities charged the rapper outside the six-month statute of limitations for a terror offense. While the concert took place on Nov. 21, 2024, London Metropolitan police only became aware of the alleged incident in late April 2025, not long after Kneecap's controversial set at Coachella, where they displayed messages about the war in Gaza. The charge was brought May 21, exactly six months after the London concert. 'If we are right in relation to that, then this court has no jurisdiction and there ends the case,' Campbell said of the timeline. Ó hAnnaidh and his bandmates Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvai (JJ O'Dochartaigh) all arrived at the London courthouse wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves. They were greeted by a crowd of supporters outside, many of whom were waving Palestinian and Irish flags. On social media last night, Kneecap wrote, 'British courts have long charged people from the North of Ireland with 'terrorism' for crimes never committed. We will fight them. We will win.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kneecap's Mo Chara placed on unconditional bail as hundreds support star at court
Kneecap's Mo Chara has been unconditionally bailed after facing a terror charge. After being greeted by hundreds of supporters outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (18.06.25), the court heard that the issue was with the member of the Irish rap trio - whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - "displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah" at their O2 Forum Kentish Town gig in London in November 2024, not voicing his opinions on Israel and Palestine, which he's "well within his rights" to do. Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: 'It's not about Mr Ó 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 Ó 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.' Ó hAnnaidh was subsequently released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20. Not only was he supported by his bandmates - Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh - at the court, but hundreds of supporters turned up to stand in solidarity with the star, with calls of "Free Palestine" heard as he left the building. In a statement on Instagram regarding the terror charge, Kneecap wrote: "We deny this 'offense' and will vehemently defend ourselves. 'This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us. 'We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win.' Kneecap had shows cancelled as a result of the backlash but are still set to play Glastonbury's West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday, June 28 at 4pm - despite calls from MPs for them to be banned.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Kneecap's Mo Chara placed on unconditional bail as hundreds support star at court
Kneecap's Mo Chara has been unconditionally bailed after facing a terror charge. After being greeted by hundreds of supporters outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (18.06.25), the court heard that the issue was with the member of the Irish rap trio - whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh - "displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah" at their O2 Forum Kentish Town gig in London in November 2024, not voicing his opinions on Israel and Palestine, which he's "well within his rights" to do. Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: 'It's not about Mr Ó 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 Ó 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.' Ó hAnnaidh was subsequently released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20. Not only was he supported by his bandmates - Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh - at the court, but hundreds of supporters turned up to stand in solidarity with the star, with calls of "Free Palestine" heard as he left the building. In a statement on Instagram regarding the terror charge, Kneecap wrote: "We deny this 'offense' and will vehemently defend ourselves. 'This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us. 'We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win.' Kneecap had shows cancelled as a result of the backlash but are still set to play Glastonbury's West Holts stage at Worthy Farm on Saturday, June 28 at 4pm - despite calls from MPs for them to be banned.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Kneecap star released on bail until next hearing as fans applaud outside courtroom
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with a terrorism offence People with placards in support of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Liam Óg Ó 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. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard 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'. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day. Summarising the allegations against Ó hAnnaidh, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: 'It's not about Mr Ó 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, Ó 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 Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.' Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. He was greeted by hundreds of supporters as he arrived at court on Wednesday morning alongside the other two members of the Belfast rap trio – Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. Credit: PA wire News in 90 Seconds - June 18th He received a round of applause outside the courtroom after the short hearing. Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh arrived to a scrum of hundreds of their supporters who cheered as their vehicle pulled up. The band were wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts as they arrived at the central London court - Mo Chara being the stage name of Ó hAnnaidh. The members of Kneecap walked up the stairs of the court and looked over the balcony, smiling and giving a thumbs up to their hundreds of supporters gathered outside. A crowd of supporters had surged around the entrance of the court as the band arrived, with some also entering the lobby. A handful of Kneecap fans gathered outside court on Wednesday morning with a mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags. A microphone stand was being set up behind metal barriers that had been erected to create an area for fans. Police removed a pro-Israel protester who walked into the crowd outside court wearing an Israeli flag which provoked boos, swearing and shouts of 'free Palestine'. The crowd became animated and shouted 'Israel is a terrorist state' and 'take him out for his own safety' as he made gestures and argued with protesters. Police surrounded the man as the crowd moved towards him, with protesters cheering as he was removed. Supporters of Kneecap's Liam Og O Hannaidh outside Westminster Magistrates' Court (Jordan Pettitt/PA) The charge Ó 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. 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. 'They trigger good and they trigger strong feelings.' She said many of Kneecap's fans seek solace in their music while suffering mental health issues. 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'. The Irish rap group kneecap has said it has 'plastered' London with messages of support for one of its members who is due to appear in court accused of a terrorism offence. Kneecap member Liam Og O hAnnaidh is due in court on Wednesday (PA) Charles Parker, 35, said protesting was important to him because he believed in 'freedom of speech'. The composite engineer from Northamptonshire said: 'I believe in freedom for Palestine. 'I come from an Irish Republican background and Palestine helped us in the 1990s. 'We stand by those who stand by us. 'I have been a fan of Kneecap since I saw them in Belfast about five years ago. 'I'm open to whatever may happen. If the Metropolitan Police do anything, you've got to be ready for anything.' Copywriter Victoria Ashworth and her daughter Lily travelled from their home in Brighton to attend the protest before the court hearing for Liam Og O hAnnaidh. Ms Ashworth, 53, said: 'I just feel like the charges are utterly ridiculous. I believe in freedom of speech. 'We want to be part of this to be on the right side of history. 'We have been fans of the music for quite a while.' Lily, 20, a university student, added: 'They're allowed to have their own voice and shutting them down doesn't seem fair.' She said she heard about the protest on social media and from various fan groups. Kneecap described the prosecution as a 'witch hunt' in a post on X on Tuesday evening. The post including a short video which appeared to show a billboard that had been displayed in London with the words 'more blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara'. The Metropolitan Police said the force had charged Ó hAnnaidh, who appears on the court list as Liam O'Hanna, after initially being made aware of a video from the gig at the O2 Forum which had been posted online. In a separate event shortly after the terrorism charge, Ó hAnnaidh could be seen in social media videos entering the stage with tape covering his mouth. The Met previously said the Belfast rap trio were under investigation after clips posted online appeared to show the band calling for the deaths of MPs and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Kneecap said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, both of which are banned in the UK.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Chaos outside court as Kneecap rapper appears on terror charge
Chaos outside court as Kneecap rapper appears on terror charge Hundreds of fans gathered outside court on Wednesday in support of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who is is accused of a terror offence. A smoke canister was set off outside while police removed counter-protestors from the crowd Liam Óg Ó 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 (Image: Getty Images ) Hundreds of protestors gathered outside a court today where a member of rap group Kneecap faces criminal charges for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation. Liam Óg Ó 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. Hundreds of protestors gathered outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday with some holding 'Free Mo Chara' signs and frequent chants of 'Free Palestine' breaking out among the crowd. Gated were erected to disperse the crowds and police were forced to remove counter-protestors, according to the Mirror. A smoke canister was reportedly also set off outside the court at the short hearing. The court heard Ó hAnnaidh, 27, 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." Crowds of supporters gathered outside the court on Wednesday (Image: Getty Images ) Don't miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here Article continues below Summarising the allegations against Ó hAnnaidh, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: 'It's not about Mr Ó 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 Ó 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.' Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. He was greeted by hundreds of supporters as he arrived at court on Wednesday morning alongside the other two members of the Belfast rap trio, Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh.) The band, from Belfast, are scheduled to play Glastonbury this month as well as Green Man in Wales in August. Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . Article continues below
