LIAM Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara in the band Kneecap, has been released on unconditional bail after being accused of a terror offence.
The 27-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 18, following an alleged incident during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London.
O hAnnaidh allegedly 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.
His next hearing will be on August 20 when legal arguments will be dealt with.
Kneecap Mo Chara released on unconditional bail
Inside the court, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: “This case is not about Mr O hAnnaidh’s support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.”
He told the court O hAnnaidh is “well within his rights” to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.
O hAnnaidh was first charged after the Metropolitan Police said it had been 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, O 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.
Ahead of the singer's appearance in court, he described the prosecution as a “witch hunt” in a post on Twitter/X.
The post included a short video which appeared to show a billboard that had been displayed in London. O hAnnaidh's next hearing will be on August 20 when legal argument will be dealt with.
