KNEECAP fans have raised more than £20,000 to assist in paying for the band's legal fees as one of its members faces criminal charges for an alleged terror offence.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
The trio were cheered by hundreds of supporters as they arrived in “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Dozens surged around the entrance of the court building as they made their way inside, with some also entering the lobby before the hearing, trying to get close to the Belfast trio.
O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
At the time of writing, more than £20,000 has been raised from 819 pledges.
Organisers have set a target of raising £30,000 on CrowdJustice, which the campaign states “will help cover legal fees and experts skilled in handling complex cases sensitive to artistic and free speech rights”.
The CrowdJustice page states: "Kneecap’s music and performances are premised on satire and absurdity. They are by their very existence bold and provocative, prompting necessary conversations around political and social issues.
"The charges brought against him could set a chilling precedent that stifles creative freedom and dissuades artists from speaking out. Your support will help cover legal fees and experts skilled in handling complex cases sensitive to artistic and free speech rights."
The trio are due to perform at festivals in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Hungary, Wales, Belgium and France, as well putting in a support slot at a high-profile show by Irish band Fontaines DC in Manchester, festivals in Europe in September, and a mostly sold-out American tour in autumn.
The band were axed from Scotland's TRNSMT amid concerns raised by police over safety.
They were due to perform at the festival on July 11 but organisers said the band would not be part of the line-up after concerns were expressed by police about safety at the event.
Police Scotland said any decision on the line-up is for TRNSMT organisers, and that no prior consultation with the force was made before acts were booked.
