A member of the rap group Kneecap is facing criminal charges related to displaying support for a proscribed terrorist organization, unrelated to his views on the Palestinian people, a court was informed.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara on stage, is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance in November of the previous year.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told that while the 27-year-old has the right to express his opinions on Israel and Palestine, the specific incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London, constitutes a “wholly different thing”.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove summarized the charges against Ó hAnnaidh, stating: “This case is not about Mr. Ó hAnnaidh’s support for the Palestinian people or his criticism of Israel.”
“He is fully entitled to express his opinions and solidarity, just as anyone else is.”
“The allegation in this case is fundamentally different and concerns a video recording indicating that in November last year, Mr. Ó hAnnaidh displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization, while saying ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’.”
“It’s important to note that support for one is not equivalent to support for the other.”
“Therefore, the core of this case, the reason for these proceedings, lies in the apparent support shown by Mr. Ó hAnnaidh for a proscribed terrorist organization.”
The defendant, dressed in a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, briefly confirmed his identity at the commencement of the hearing.
He was met by hundreds of supporters upon his arrival at court on Wednesday morning, accompanied by his bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh.
Ó hAnnaidh was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear in the same court on August 20 for his next hearing.
The rap group exited the court to the sounds of cheering and chants of “Free Palestine” from hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside during the hearing.
Ó hAnnaidh was wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh as he left the court.
