Kneecap rapper appears in court on terror charge - as protesters gather outside

A member of Irish-language rap group Kneecap has appeared in court in London after being charged with a terror offence - as hundreds of protesters gathered in support outside.

Liam O'Hanna, or Liam Og O hAnnaidh, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year. The charge against the 27-year-old, from Belfast, was brought last month after counter-terror officers assessed a video reported to be from a Kneecap concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November 2024.

O hAnnaidh arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, as a crowd of fans and supporters gathered with placards and flags outside. During a short appearance, O hAnnaidh confirmed his name and address, and was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing, scheduled for 20 August.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: "This case is not about Mr hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel." O hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians, he said, adding that the case is about the display of a flag apparently in support of Hezbollah. "Support for one is not the same as support for the other," Mr Bisgrove added.

Kneecap have previously said they have never supported Hezbollah or Hamas - another proscribed group in the UK. O'hAnnaidh received a round of applause outside the courtroom and left the building with his bandmates to loud cheers and chants of "Free Palestine" from supporters.

Speaking afterwards, one of the band's lawyers said Kneecap would always "stand up for freedom of expression". He added: "They will defend not only their rights, but the rights of artists and people all around the world." Kneecap released their first single in 2017 and rose to wider prominence in 2024 following the release of their debut album and award-winning eponymous film - a fictionalised retelling of how the band came together and their fight to save the Irish language.

The group are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise - and have been vocally opposed to Israel's military action in Gaza. O hAnnaidh performs under the stage name Mo Chara, while O Caireallain is known as Moglai Bap, and O Dochartaigh as DJ Provai.

They have built a following for their hedonistic anti-establishment tracks, but their outspoken stance has proved polarising - prompting a surge in streaming for their songs and, at the same time, resulting in several of their gigs being cancelled this year. Last year, they won a discrimination case against the UK government after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was business secretary..